Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey 2024

The 2024 Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) was conducted among Rohingya refugees residing on Bhasan Char Island, Bangladesh. The survey aimed to assess the health and nutrition status of the population and inform targeted interventions. At the time of data collection (18–24 September 2024), approximately 35,454 individuals had been relocated to the island from the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps. Led by UNHCR and implemented in collaboration with Concern Worldwide, WFP, UNICEF, BRAC, GK, RTMI, and Friendship, the survey used SENS Version 3 tools based on the SMART methodology. Findings indicated a medium prevalence of acute malnutrition (GAM: 8.8%) and critical levels of stunting (34.7%) among children under five. Anemia remained a major concern, affecting 40.3% of children and 24.1% of women of reproductive age. Improvements were observed in key infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and treatment coverage, though challenges persisted in water access and mosquito net coverage. The results support evidence-based planning and monitoring of health and nutrition programs for refugees on Bhasan Char.