A SENS nutrition survey should be carried out when refugees are not included in national nutrition surveys to measure the nutrition status of the refugee population. Depending on the nutritional outcomes and operational responses , the survey should be conducted as per below indicated frequencies:
i. every two years in refugee camps and settlements with Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) prevalence from ≥5 to <10%
ii. yearly in operations with GAM prevalence ≥10%.
iii. In stable operations with GAM prevalence <5%, a survey is to be considered if the situation changes e.g., when there is a large influx, when food assistance is inadequate or reduced for long periods or when there is an outbreak of disease likely to affect the nutrition situation negatively.
The SENS guidelines are designed to cover most emergencies and all stable, protracted situations. They are currently most suitable for camps and surrounding villages. Guidelines for out-of-camp and urban settings are also available.