The Core Mission of the Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN)
The Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is an international charity focused on improving nutrition policies and programs for populations at high risk of malnutrition. It was founded to address weaknesses in early humanitarian responses, such as a lack of knowledge sharing and institutional memory. ENN aims to capture and share lessons, foster dialogue, and strengthen the evidence base to improve intervention effectiveness. It connects practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, bridging the gap between evidence and practical application to ensure informed humanitarian aid.
Knowledge Management and Dissemination
ENN uses various knowledge products to empower nutrition professionals. These resources are freely available and aim to disseminate critical information.
Core Knowledge Products
Key resources include:
- Field Exchange (FEX): A publication for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing in humanitarian contexts, highlighting new approaches and lessons learned from practice.
- Nutrition Exchange (NEX): A publication with shorter, accessible articles summarizing nutrition program experiences, aimed at a broader audience.
- en-net: An online forum connecting practitioners with global experts for technical advice on operational challenges in emergency settings.
Building Evidence and Influencing Policy
ENN works to improve nutrition policy by building the evidence base, identifying knowledge gaps, facilitating research, and synthesizing findings to guide practitioners and decision-makers.
Strategic Areas of Focus
ENN focuses on specific areas needing evidence and best practices:
- Management of small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months and their mothers (MAMI): Supporting vulnerable infants and mothers.
- Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E): Supporting feeding practices during crises.
- Wasting and Stunting (WaSt): Exploring the link between these forms of malnutrition to improve services.
- Adolescent and Women's Nutrition: Improving nutrition for adolescents and women to break intergenerational malnutrition cycles.
ENN's Key Activities: A Comparative Look
| Activity | Primary Purpose | Key Outputs | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Exchange | Facilitating peer learning and sharing field experiences to improve operational practice. | Field Exchange, Nutrition Exchange, podcasts. | Field workers, practitioners, technical advisors, programme managers. |
| Technical Support | Providing real-time, expert advice to solve operational challenges. | en-net, an online forum for expert consultation and discussion. | Field-based nutrition professionals and coordinators. |
| Evidence Building | Identifying knowledge gaps and supporting research to inform policy and programming. | Technical briefs, case studies, research reports. | Researchers, policymakers, donors, and humanitarian leaders. |
| Network Collaboration | Connecting individuals and institutions to foster collective action and understanding on complex nutrition issues. | Specialized networks (MAMI, GANN, WaSt), workshops, events. | Practitioners, academics, government staff, and UN agencies. |
How ENN Achieves Its Purpose in Practice
ENN's work centers on using evidence and learning to improve nutrition interventions and humanitarian response.
Examples of ENN in Action
- Case Studies: ENN documents and publishes case studies on implementing new approaches in various contexts, such as the MAMI Care Pathway.
- Global Research: ENN collaborates on research projects, such as a study on malnutrition in infants under six months in low and middle-income countries, to provide data for policy.
- Capacity Building: ENN supports the development of training materials, like the Harmonized Training Package (HTP), with partners to strengthen the capacity of national and regional professionals.
- Forum for Best Practice: Field Exchange continues to be a key resource for sharing evidence and lessons to improve crisis response.
This focus on knowledge sharing, research, and support ensures that lessons learned can be applied globally. ENN's independence and evidence-based approach give it an authoritative voice.
Conclusion: The Enduring Importance of ENN
The Emergency Nutrition Network's purpose is to build a more effective, evidence-based, and collaborative humanitarian sector. By fostering continuous learning and connecting diverse actors, ENN helps ensure that populations facing nutritional emergencies receive appropriate and effective support. Its platforms like Field Exchange and en-net circulate knowledge and experience, turning field challenges into global learning opportunities. ENN's role in addressing knowledge gaps and strengthening professional practice is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations.
For more information on their resources and publications, visit the official website: Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) Website.
