The CMN is constantly improving the quality of Coverage Assessments materials. Recently, it has updated some guidelines -and created others- for an effective conduction of SQUEACs and Follow up SQUEACs, and for meticulous supervision of SQUEACs -a tool that is particularly dedicated to Nutrition Advisors and CMAM Programme Coordinators.
Here is an overview of such documents.
In an attempt to avoid common setbacks to SQUEAC implementation, the CMN has put together this useful companion. It is a set of tools that advises implementers on how best to navigate the process of coverage assessments since its initial planning until the preparation of the final report. This SQUEAC Assessment Companion targets programme managers taking on the role of SQUEAC investigators team leaders.
This is not, however, a full technical reference. Rather, it is a document that offers a complete overview on the different stages of a SQUEAC investigation and their key element, clearly explaining what needs to be completed and at what stage of the research. In doing so it offers a punctual guideline on preparation, training, conduction and finalisation. All this is completed with useful links to documents and sites offering deeper explanations of each stage of the SQUEAC, as well as useful tools and additional material.
The full document can be downloaded from here.
Programmes that have already conducted SQUEACs investigations in the past may find useful to organise a shorter follow-up research. These guidelines aim to support CMAM programme staff to conduct a follow-up assessment, which is less resource intensive and does not require to complete full community assessments or additional trainings.
A Follow Up SQUEAC is useful because it can provide with an updated coverage estimate in less than half the time. Simultaneously, the process allows to identify changes in the main barriers to access, so that a coverage estimate is not compulsory. It is suggested, however, that the CMAM programme conducting a Follow Up SQUEAC should have conducted a full SQUEAC within the previous 18 months and implemented at least 50% of the recommendations formulated.
The full guidelines, including details about the preparation process and the conduction of the assessment, can be downloaded from here.
As opposed to the
SQUEAC Assessment Companion, the Guidelines for Supervision are designed for Nutrition Advisors or Programme Coordinators at HQ and country levels who intend to support the development of a SQUEAC investigation, either directly or remotely. These guidelines help assuring the quality and the methodology adherence of the whole process and its outcomes.
The full guidelines, including a detailed timeline and useful links to additional information for all stages of the investigation, can be downloaded from here.
