How can health informatics professionals support the response to food insecurity in South Sudan?

Health informatics professionals can support the food insecurity response by: managing nutrition surveillance data (including SMART survey data and DHIS2 nutrition indicators); developing data systems for food assistance programmes; analysing the relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes; and supporting the coordination of the nutrition cluster through health information management. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, which is used to classify food insecurity in South Sudan, relies on health and nutrition data that health informatics professionals help to collect and manage.

The intersection of food insecurity, displacement, and health is a critical research area for South Sudan. Health informatics professionals who work in this area can contribute to a better understanding of how food insecurity affects health outcomes and what interventions are most effective. SSHIA encourages members who work in nutrition and food security to share their experiences and research through the community discussion boards and SSHIA publications.