The World Health Organization’s Nutrition Data Portal
Launched in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Nutrition Data Portal provides access to multiple nutrition and related indicators. The interactive portal allows the user to visualise key indicators and country profiles, providing data search tools for easy navigation. The webpage currently comprises of three nutrition databases, further subdivided into smaller segments with more granular data.
Micronutrients database: This database is an interactive platform collecting data published in reports and manuscripts on the micronutrient status of populations representative at the national level. The micronutrients database was first developed as part of the Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System in 1991. After a comprehensive evaluation, the database has now been upgraded and expanded. The database now includes 40 indicators of the status of 17 micronutrients or micronutrient-related conditions, covering both deficiency and excess. The database is searchable by micronutrient, country and population group.
Child growth and malnutrition: This database comprises population-based surveys that fulfil a set of criteria. Data are checked for validity and consistency, and raw datasets are analysed following a standard procedure to obtain comparable results. The Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, established in 1986, compiles, standardises and disseminates child anthropometric data from nutrition surveys conducted globally based on the WHO Child Growth Standards. Data are sourced from the Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates collaboration between WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank.
Nutrition landscape information system (NLiS): This database brings together all existing WHO Global Nutrition Databases dynamically, as well as other existing food and nutrition-related data from partner agencies. NLiS is a web-based tool that provides nutrition and nutrition-related health and development data in the form of automated country profiles and user-defined downloadable data. Sources include WHO, UNICEF, the UN Statistics Division, the UN Development Programme, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Demographic and Health Surveys, the World Bank, the International Food Policy Research Institute and the International Labour Organization.
Collectively, the portal offers easy-to-use functionality and allows users – such as researchers, health practitioners, policy-makers or even citizen scientists – access to a rich source of nutrition data free of charge.
For more information, please explore the portal at https://platform.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-portals.