Issue of September 2013 by African Nutrition Matters

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Official Bulletin of the African Nutrition Society

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

CONTENT EDITORIAL

Why African Nutrition Matters?

Dia Sanou, Nonsikelelo Mathe

AFRICAN NUTRITION SOCIETY

African Nutrition Matters is available online at: www.answeb.org

Hanane Labraimi, Ali Jafri

French column: dans ce numĂŠro

The agenda of the Federation of African Nutrition Societies

Welcome address from the African Nutrition Society

Joyce Kinabo

The ECSA regional food fortification initiative

Editors in Chief

Layout

Will Africa take advantage of the wind of change for nutrition?

Ali Jafri

Anna Lartey

Mawuli Hayford Avedzi Robert Fungo Ali Jafri Hanane Labraimi Muniirah Mbabazi Folake Samuel

THEMATIC ARTICLE

Technical Advisory Board

Paul Amuna

J. Ashong, H.M. Avedzi

Paul Amuna Habiba Hassan Wassef Francis Zotor

TRIBUTE

The Algerian Society of Nutrition: a run-up for food and nutrition in Algeria!

Correspondence should be addressed to the managing editor:

Prof. Anna Lartey. Presidentelect of the IUNS

Josephine Kibaru-Mbae

The experience of the UGAN in the SUN Movement

Editorial Team

Capacity building challenges : Training Gaps in African Higher Education

PARTNERS SECTION

Francis Zotor Dia Sanou Nonsikelelo Mathe

Nutrition challenges in North African countries

M. Mbabazi, K.P. Kikomeko

AGSNet: the past, present and future

Malika Bouchenak-Khelladi

Email: newsletter@answeb.org

REGIONAL NEWS

OBITUARY

Central Africa Francophone 13 countries: from food diversity to nutrition disaster

Prof. Nevin Scrimshaw

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Djoulde D. Roger

Cover photo credit: James Forsyth

Eastern Africa takes on the SUN movement by storm through multisectoral engagements

Muniirah Mbabazi, Robert Fungo

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

EDITORIAL

Why African Nutrition Matters? Dear Reader, On behalf of the editorial board, we are delighted to unveil the maiden issue of African Nutrition Matters (ANM), the official newsletter of the African Nutrition Society. It has been the desire of the African Nutrition Society (ANS) to produce a newsletter that informs its growing membership and other colleagues around the world about ANS activities as well as current and emerging nutrition issues in Africa and the global scene. Following intensive discussion and consultation, it was agreed that ANM should be published as an openaccess Newsletter under the umbrella of ANS. ANM will be in the first instance published once quarterly in English and salient points summarized in French, with the view to increase the number of French language articles in the longer term. ANM adopts a style and language that will allow for understanding by the general public and by those individuals, organizations and sectors that are involved in nutrition related work. Some feature articles can however carry evidence-based contributions with scientific undertones on topical nutrition issues. Although the ANM will often provide ―technical‖ information in nutrition and embraces a peer -reviewed policy, it is not a “peer reviewed scientific journal”. African Nutrition Matters, the official newsletter of the African Nutrition Society, aspires to provide opportunities for our readers and contributors as well as all players in the Africa‖s nutrition scene to tell us their stories

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

and share experiences across the social development, food security, food safety, food systems, diet and disease spectrum as well as success stories and interventions to tackle these problems in the different regions of Africa. African Nutrition Matters aims to be at the forefront of sharing the news of the successes and challenges of the various nutrition initiatives happening on the African continent. It is a compilation of contributions from a wide spectrum of organizations or individuals who directly participate and advocate for the fight against malnutrition on the African continent. It is a platform for contributors to share their views and provide thought-provoking articles, which serve to inform, educate and entertain, but carry a serious nutrition message as well.

ANM is managed by an editorial team comprised of an editorial committee, and a technical advisory board. Our editorial team includes several African scientists with a passion for nutrition and for the continent. They are located in all five regions of the continent and abroad. We acknowledge the voluntary devotion of the time of the editorial committee members to this challenging task. We also thank the technical advisory board for their support and guidance to the editorial team. Our ambition is to increase the number of issues per year, a challenging effort from contributors that will make sense only if readers find the newsletter interesting, useful and enriching. We therefore welcome your feedback and suggestions to help us improve the quality of the Newsletter. You will be in position to give us feedback and subscribe to receive the newsletter automatically on the website.

The Newsletter is presented in sections: Regional News which feature news and stories from East, West, South, North, and Central Africa; Partners section invites interest groups such as AGSNet, FANUS, IUNS, etc. to Any questions or suggestions should post articles on their projects or ac- be direct to: newsletter@answeb.org tivities; Thematic section covers acaThank you for reading! demic/scientific/programmatic content on a topical issue and will often include “Invited Expert Commentary”; Tributes which feature ANS members, other personalities and awards; AnDia Sanou nouncements and News will give upCo-editor in chief dates on upcoming conferences, training, workshops, adverts from educational institutions and other relevant information; Reviews will report book or article reviews. Readers will also have an opportunity to Nonsikelelo Mathe write a Letter to the editor. We hope Co-editor in chief that this first issue serves as an outlet to introduce nutrition issues in the continent. Future issues will focus on various aspects of African nutrition agenda.

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

French column: dans ce numéro

African Nutrition Matters (ANM): le bulletin officiel de la Société Africaine de Nutrition C‖est avec plaisir que la Société Africaine de Nutrition (ANS) vous présente le premier numéro de African Nutrition Matters (ANM). Ce bulletin est né de la volonté de l‖ANS de se doter d‖un organe d‖information à l‖intention de ses membres et de tous ceux qui sont intéressés par les questions de nutrition en Afrique. Il sera publié en ligne avec accès libre et gratuit, sous les auspices de la Société Africaine de Nutrition. ANM sera disponible dans un premier temps, en Anglais tous les trois mois, avec les points clés résumés en Français ; le but à long terme étant de publier des articles complet en Français. Le bulletin adopte un style et un langage compréhensible par le grand public et par tous ceux qui sont impliqués ou qui ont un intérêt pour la nutrition en Afrique. Certains articles seront toutefois des contributions scientifiques sur des thématiques précises. Toutefois, African Nutrition Matters ne saurait être considéré comme une revue scientifique avec comité de lecture, même si les articles proposés sont évalués par au moins deux personnes. Le bulletin est organisé en sections dont entre autres une section sur les Nouvelles Régionales, une section réservée aux Partenaires de l‖ANS, une Section Thématique ainsi que des annonces et des nouvelles. Par ailleurs, chaque édition mettra en vedette, dans la section Tribute, une personnalité qui aura apporté une contribution importante à l‖avancement de l‖agenda de la nutrition en Afrique et/ou aux activités de l‖ANS. Les lecteurs auront aussi l‖opportunité de réagir ou de s‖adresser à l‖équipe éditoriale à travers une lettre à l‖éditeur. L‖équipe éditoriale est composée d‖un comité

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

éditorial et d‖un ensemble de conseillers techniques. Ce numéro inaugural présente une introduction à la problématique nutritionnelle en Afrique. Dans l‖éditorial, les Coéditeurs en chef du bulletin, expliquent le contexte de la création du bulletin, sa vision, sa raison d‖être, la raison derrière le choix du nom “African Nutrition Matters” ainsi que la ligne éditoriale. Ainsi, selon Drs. Sanou & Mathe, le nom African Nutrition Matters revêt un certain dualisme: 1) African Nutrition Matters qui traduit les problèmes de nutrition des populations Africaines que le bulletin se propose de rapporter et de partager avec un public au-delà des milieux académique et professionnel ; 2) Africa Nutrition [does] Matter qui traduit le fait que la nutrition en Afrique pose problème dans la recherche de solutions à cause de la complexité des nombreux défis et des obstacles majeurs sur le continent, résultant en de faibles progrès. Le bulletin African Nutrition Matters donne l‖opportunité aux membres de l‖ANS, à ses lecteurs ainsi qu‖aux divers acteurs de la lutte contre la malnutrition en Afrique, de raconter leurs histoires et partager leurs experiences dans les différents secteurs comme le développement social, la sécurité alimentaire, la salubrité des aliments, les systèmes agricoles et alimentaires, l‖alimentation et la maladie.

Message de bienvenue Profitant de son message de bienvenue à la fois au bulletin et à ses lecteurs et contributeurs, le Président de la Société Africaine de Nutrition (ANS), Dr Francis Zotor après avoir présenté la vision de ANS pour l‖ANM, a brièvement rappelé les missions et les objectifs de l‖ANS ainsi que ses projets futures. Il a, par la suite, invité la communauté des acteurs de la nutrition en Afrique a non seulement célébrer la naissance de ce nouvel organe d‖information et à le soutenir, mais

également à rejoindre la Société Africaine de Nutrition pour qu‖ensemble, nous conjuguions nos efforts pour réussir le défi de l‖éradication de la malnutrition sur le continent.

Un vent de changement Dans l‖article intitulé «The wind of change for nutrition is here: Will Africa take advantage of this?» ,Prof. Anna Lartey, Présidente entrante de l‖Union international des sciences de la nutrition (IUNS), se demande si l‖Afrique pourra profiter amplement du vent mondial de changement en faveur de la nutrition. L‖auteure donne des stratégies pouvant contribuer à l‖avancement des objectifs nutritionnels sur le continent. Entre autres, elle évoquel‖opportunitéque cela représente pour les gouvernants de mobiliser les ressources pour les programmes de nutrition, de créer des environnements institutionnels favorables à la nutrition et dedévelopper des partenariats pour accroître, prioriser et mettre en œuvre leurs propres politiques et programmes. Tous ces processus doivent être pilotés par les africains, qui ne doivent s‖estimer vainqueur de la malnutrition que lorsque la malnutrition sera totalement éliminé. Prof. Lartey, qui vient par ailleurs d‖être recrutée comme Chef de la Division Nutrition de l‖Organisation pour l‖Agriculture et l‖Alimentation, promet de placer au cœur de son action à la tête de l‖IUNS, le renforcement des capacités, la pierre angulaire pour le passage à l‖échelle (Scaling Up) des interventions efficaces. Elle conclut en disant que si nous manquons l‖occasion de diminuer significativement les taux élevés de malnutrition sur le continent au moment où la nutrition est au sommet des priorités de développement, ça serait une grande perte que les générations futures auront du mal à rattraper. L‖un des défis majeurs pour la nutrition en Afrique est le renforcement des capacités. C‖est l‖objet de la contribution thématique de Dr Paul Amuna. L‖auteur situe la problématique nutritionnelle

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

africaine dans une perspective internationale avant de rappeler les initiatives mondiales pour l‖éradiquer. Se fondant sur la publication récente de la seconde série de la prestigieuse revue The Lancet sur la malnutrition maternelle et infantile en faveur de la nutrition, il dresse un portrait sombre de la malnutrition sur le continent qui abrite à lui seul, 22 des 34 (65%) pays ayant le plus grand fardeau de la malnutrition. Selon l‖auteur, pendant que de nombreux enfants continuent à être les martyrs des différentes formes de malnutrition, les maladies chroniques relatives à l‖alimentation, les changements d‖habitude de vie et les facteurs de risque sous jacents de l‖obésité sont en nette progression. Dans leurs efforts, les acteurs font face à de nombreux défis collectivement appelés les défis de la mise en œuvre et parmi lesquels on peut citer un faible engagement politique, une insuffisance de moyens financiers, des capacités techniques et institutionnelles inadéquats, des faibles capacités de résilience des populations, des conflits sociopolitiques récurrents et des catastrophes naturelles. La communauté scientifique, les gouvernements, l‖industrie, les agences des Nations Unies et d‖autres organisations internationales ainsi que la société civile collaborent actuellement pour relever ces défis. Mais les questions les plus pressantes qui se posent parfois à nous sont : Qui va conduire le processus? Où se trouve la main d‖œuvre qui fera le travail? Qui seront les champions? L‖auteur de conclure que la clé demeure l‖investissement dans la formation des nutritionnistes qualifiés, ayant une perspective multisectorielle du problème et qui ont aussi des competences managériales et de leadership. Pour cela, notre compréhension du renforcement des capacités doit aller au delà de la formation des professionnels et intégrer les concepts de capacitésstratégiques. Cette notion de capacités stratégiques réfère au renforcement de l‖environnement institutionnel de la nutrition dans son ensemble, les mécanis-

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

mes de coordination et de mise en œuvre, le leadership, le management stratégique, les systèmes d‖information et l‖apprentissage collaboratif. L‖obtention de résultats durables en nutrition n‖est possible qu‖en réunissant les deux conditions: former davantage de professionnels en nutrition et renforcer les capacities stratégiques des pays Africains. L‖Union internationale des sciences de la nutrition ayant eu l‖opportunité de s‖exprimer à travers la Prof. Anna Lartey, la section Partenaires a donné l‖occasion aux autres partenaires traditionnels de l‖ANS en l‖occurrence la Fédération Africaine des Sociétés de Nutrition (FANUS) etle Réseau des Etudiants Gradués en Nutrition (AGSNet). Deux organisations professionnelles nationales ont eu l‖occasion de se faire découvrir par les lecteurs ; il s‖agit d‖UGAN(Uganda Action for Nutrition) et la Société Algérienne de Nutrition (SAN). Pour l‖ensemble de ses œuvres en faveur de l‖avancement de la nutrition en Afrique, son leadership continental et international et son rôle modèle et inspirateur pour la nouvelle génération, ANM a rend un vibrant hommage à Dr. Anna Lartey, Professeure agrégée à l‖Université de Legon au Ghana dans ce numéro inaugural. Ancienne présidente de l‖ANS, Prof. Lartey est la Présidente entrante de l‖Union Internationale des Sciences de la Nutrition (IUNS), la plus importante organization professionnelle savante au niveau mondiale. Elle vient d‖être également recrutée à la tête de la Division Nutrition de l‖Organisation des Nations Unies pour l‖Agriculture et l‖Alimentation (FAO), ou elle prendra fonction le 1er octobre 2013. Elle est constamment invitée à donner des conférences, elle a reçu plusieurs distinctions et publié plusieurs articles scientifiques. Elle porte haut le flambeau de la nutrition et fait honneur à l‖Afrique.

suite au décès du Prof. Nevin Stewart Scrimshaw, fondateur de la Fondation Internationale pour la Nutrition, rappelé à Dieu le 8 février 2013. La communauté internationale a perdu un ardent acteurde lanutrition, et la fondation qu‖il a créé et qui s‖appelle désormais “Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation” a mis en place un prix en son nom Nevin Scrimshaw Foundation Advancement Fund qui apportera un soutien aux actions de renforcement des capacités en recherche dans les pays en développement. Bonne lecture !

Dia Sanou Co-editor in chief

Hanane Labraimi Editorial team

Ali Jafri Editorial team

Par ailleurs, L‖ANS partage la peine qu‖éprouve la famille Scrimshaw et la communauté internationale de la nutrition

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Welcome message from

(www.answeb.org). The ANS oversees

contribute to programmes and pro-

the African Nutrition

the biennial African Nutrition Epide-

jects aimed at improving nutrition in

miology Conferences (ANEC), which

Africa and reducing the burden of

started in 2002 in South Africa. Sub-

disease.

Society

sequently, ANEC has run biennial conferences across Africa at sub-

has

its

headquarters

Accra,

I have the pleasure of welcoming you

regional locations.

to The African Nutrition Society‖s

successes of the first three confer-

first newsletter. This is a monumen-

ences in 2002 (South Africa), 2006

tal journey you will be taking with us

(Ghana) and 2008 (Egypt) the key

as you have the pleasure of reading

founding members found it neces-

this

subsequent

sary to form an umbrella organisa-

ones that will be posted on-line on

tion to oversee ANEC as well as ex-

quarterly basis. A lot of good work is

pand into other areas of relevance

being done across the African conti-

that would promote the nutrition

nent but sadly for so long; this excel-

agenda across the continent of Af-

lent piece of work goes unreported

rica. This led to the establishment of

either at sub-regional level or conti-

ANS in 2008 as a registered scientific

nent-wide. The African Nutrition So-

professional movement; a learned

ciety thinks it is about time readers

society formed by nutritional scien-

Future Activities the ANS shall be fo-

across Africa benefit from an on-line

tists, food scientists and other

cusing on in the near future include:

knowledge resource for nutrition-

health professionals working in, and

related issues on Africa aimed at

with an interest in the nutrition

equipping readers with research and

agenda for Africa.

newsletter

and

information on the continent‖s wide ranging nutritional issues. African Nutrition Society and its ethos For those of you who are for the very first time getting to know about the African Nutrition Society (ANS), it is the leading professional body dedicated to promoting the nutrition agenda on the continent of Africa

Following the

ANS is bound by a constitution and

Trustees that has been drawn from the geographical regions of the African continent. The Society currently has four sub-regional representatives (Northern, Western, Eastern and Southern Africa) who are the contact points and through whom the Society‖s activities can be channelled. Future activities of the ANS

Plans to hold training workshops in the year preceding its biennial ANEC event at the sub-region where it

As the professional scientific forum

plans to hold its conference.

and voice for Africa‖s nutrition and

The creation of a Nutrition e-

health, the vision of ANS is to create

Learning Hub in partnership with the

a unified continental nutrition pro-

Nutrition Society of Great Britain and

fession of individual members, pro-

Ireland, the American Society for

vide a continental professional sci-

Nutrition, the Federation of African

entific forum, promote training, re-

Nutrition

search and capacity building in nu-

membership organisations of nutri-

trition and contribute to workforce

tion academics that will bring to-

development to meet Africa‖s nutri-

gether academic leaders in nutri-

tion and health policy agenda. Our

tional science to provide open ac-

mission is to promote collegiality

cess, capacity building courses in

and

nutrition to an African and world-

bring

together

individuals

across Africa and other parts of the world to work together towards building and promoting the nutrition profession and practice in Africa. Our ultimate goal is to provide a home for nutritional scientists and other allied professionals, and to

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

Ghana. It is governed by a board of

Societies

and

leading

wide audience. The development of a professional practice framework leading to professional registration and accreditation, and with a longer term view to harmonisation of nutrition training

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

across African Higher Education in-

thus both challenging and exciting

platform for sharing ideas with our

stitutions.

times what we should embrace and

partner

step up to.

Europe, Asia, North and South Amer-

Development of public-private partnerships and linkages (and strength-

ANS vision for the African Nutrition

ening existing ones) with the scien-

Matters

tific and academic communities, industry, non-governmental organisations and international agencies for the benefit of ANS members and the wider public interest. The UN Declaration on Chronic Disease in September 2012 (signed up to by Member States) further gives prominence to a subject with nutrition as a core component in their natural history, prevention and their treatment. The UN‖s recognition that its own targets for countries reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that it set itself by 2015 are

unachievable

particularly

most high burden countries in subSaharan Africa provide further impetus for action, but by whom? Civil society, professional groups as well as business and industry have all been engaged in attempts to find common ground for addressing the global nutrition burdens as evidenced by the increasing interest shown by the latter in having a SUN Steering group (Network) dedicated to Business and Industry and financial and other commitments already ―pledged‖ by a number of organisations in support of the global efforts on nutrition under MDG 8. The African Nutrition Society in my view has a central role to play in providing both leadership and the cadre of professionals to help find solutions to the myriad of nutritional problems on the continent. These are

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

learned

societies

from

ica as well as international development partners, civil society and industry. To this end, the ANM pledges

African Nutrition Matters (ANM) will

to keep the world abreast with sci-

be the official newsletter of (and for)

ence and technology news, innova-

the membership of the ANS. This

tions and ideas in the exciting, ever-

newsletter will inform primarily our

changing world of nutrition on the

members, educate and broaden

African continent.

their scope of action with nutrition related topics and/or issues. It will also provide information to a wider readership about the Society, its members and their activities across Africa‖s different regions and countries. Furthermore, ANM will be a platform for highlighting key nutritional matters either going on in Africa or affecting Africa and Africans. With current developments both in terms of meeting MDG challenges and SUN as well as addressing chronic NCDs in Africa, existing WHO tools with a major focus on nutritional components can only be addressed through multidisciplinary approaches where all members of the health team are recognised, appreciated and allowed to make their contribution to achieving common clinical and public health goals. The

ANM is also a forum for young nutrition scientists and students to share their experiences and contribute to debates and to building ―Africa‖s Nutrition Story‖. I hope you will find this newsletter not only an enjoyable piece to read but will also find the articles very informative and reflective of nutrition events across the continent of Africa. I therefore invite you to join me in celebrating the birth of this great newsletter and indeed one of several volumes that has come to stay. Please join me in extending appreciation to the ANM editorial team and the advisors without whose efforts and drive this newsletter would still have been in the figment of the imagination of ANS leadership.

Africa Nutrition Society seeks to provide a ―linking bridge‖ to help bring all relevant stakeholders to the table to harness our collective efforts and strengths for improved nutrition in

Francis Zotor President of the African Nutrition Society

Africa. This newsletter comes into being at a challenging yet exciting time in global health and should be an excellent mouthpiece and forum both for scientific technical articles and a

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

The wind of change for nutrition is here: Will

their nutrition policies and pro-

tions, we must make ourselves rele-

grams.

vant

Africa take advantage of

this?

radar as long as possible. We should

Anna Lartey

need

those

strong

voices

(champions) to keep nutrition on the not consider the work done until malnutrition is totally eliminated from our midst. As Africans we

The momentum around nutrition in the last two years has been unprecedented. Nutrition is now part of the

should lead the fight against malnutrition on the continent. We feel the pinch hardest.

providing

the

support

needed to countries to scale up nutrition interventions.

Currently of

the 41 countries that have joined the SUN, 24 of these are in sub-Saharan Africa. Adhering Bodies in each of these countries can contribute in supporting the scaling up nutrition agenda. Nutrition is now at the top of the global agenda. This is the opportu-

strategy of many development or-

The complexity of the nutrition prob-

ganizations. At no time has the world

lem requires the building of partner-

been so united in the fight against

ships across disciplines and stake-

malnutrition, especially undernutri-

holders. This is what the Scaling Up

tion. It all started with the Millen-

Nutrition (SUN) Movement promotes

nium Development Goals in 2000. By

through the formation of multi-

2007 it was obvious that high under-

stakeholder platforms at country

nutrition burdened countries will

Anna Lartey

level to ensure that nutrition is inte-

not achieve many of the goals in the

grated into all sector programs.We

President-elect of the IUNS

estimated time frame of 2015. The

cannot scale up nutrition programs

Lancet nutrition series of 2008 drew

without building capacity at all levels

attention to the fact that proven in-

from community through district,

terventions exist. Yet it has taken

regional and national.

nity to grab it, run with it and deliver results. If we miss this unique opportunity to bring down malnutrition, it will be a big loss indeed.

the global nutrition community too long to act. The cost of undernutri-

There are success stories around the

tionin human development terms

world we can learn from. How did

for sub-Saharan Africa is enormous.

Brazil and many of the South Ameri-

This has been articulated in the re-

can countries do it? Let‖s learn from

cent Africa Human Development In-

them and adapt their strategies to

dex Report (UNDP 2012).

the situation in Africa.

The wind of change for nutrition is

For the International Union of Nutri-

here. How can sub-Sahara Africa

tional Sciences (IUNS), a “world with-

take advantage of this opportunity to

out malnutrition” remains a vision

address undernutrition? African gov-

we will continue to work towards

ernments must take advantage of

achieving. Building capacity of the

this positive environment to draw

next generation of nutrition scien-

resources for their nutrition pro-

tists remains our focus. As the in-

grams. Governments‖ own commit-

coming President of IUNS, I look for-

ment must be seen in the allocation

ward to working with our Adhering

of resources to nutrition. Countries

and Affiliated Bodies to support ca-

must develop, prioritize and own

pacity building efforts. As a coalition of professional nutrition associa-

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

THEMATIC ARTICLE

Capacity building challenges : Training Gaps in African Higher Education

From a historical perspective, the nutritional and health challenges facing Africa were a common feature in Europe as recently as the beginning of the 20th Century and in the United Kingdom. Such concerns led to serious advocacy and actions by scientists and nutritionists such as Boyd Orr, Cuthbertson and John Waterlow.. Within Africa, Drs Mamdour Gabr, Wassef, Sai and Ofosu-Armaahled and championed the cause for nutrition over decades. These pioneers in Nutrition Advocacy and professional action for nutrition were among the first to explore more globally the problems and impact of severe undernutrition. They also went further to form a global scientific alliance, the international union of nutritional sciences to both promote intellectual thought and research as well as provide the scientific underpinning and technical support for interventions in nutrition. Dr Cecily Williams, Cuthbertson, John Waterlow and Nevin Scrimshaw who were mentors and the inspiration for many of today‖s leading nutritional scientists including some African nutrition leaders.

Paul Amuna

The greatest challenges of nutrition and food security facing Africa are nothing new and although some countries have been able to better manage these challenges, the majority of countries particularly in subSaharan Africa are far failing to meet targets set for reducing poverty, improving food security and health within the context of the United Nations‖ targets for Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. For many in Africa, the UN MDGs muted as a ―benchmark for assessing both the attainment and national progress in nutrition as a marker of development, remain ambitious and elusive whilst in other parts of the world particularly Latin America and Asia, significant country-level and regional progress has been made in achieving the goals. At the same time, there are the “high burden countries”, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa, who remain deeply rooted in poor performance and the focus of the UN now is to undertake concerted efforts with ―PLAN B ―, the “post 2015 MDG Agenda”. This one presumes is a fail-safe process to plug the gap for those countries ―falling through the cracks‖.

Today, there remain global concerns about the multiple burden of disease in developing WHO regions, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America where the 36 countries with the highest burden of undernutrition and poor nutrition governance are located (The Lancet 2008; WHO, 2010; WHO.SCN/UNU/ 2009), and where the disparity between the ―haves and have-nots‖ and poverty, chronic hunger and food insecurity remain an everyday experience of hundreds of millions.

Addressing these major challenges of food and nutrition security as well as the emerging chronic nutritionrelated non-communicable diseases requires joint thinking, integrated and multi-disciplinary approaches across sectors including health, agriculture, economics and civil society advocacy. These approaches also have implications for workforce development in all these sectors and areas to provide the human resources to deal with the issues in the short, medium and longer terms. Furthermore, a political will is fundamental to the development of credible national food and nutrition policies necessary to guide implementation of any plans and strategies aimed at adequately addressing health and nutrition needs at country and regional levels.

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

Addressing Current Global and Africa Nutritional Challenges With the strong backing of United Nations leadership, the initiative for Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) is now at the top of the political and developmental agenda. The SUN Civil Society Network was formally inaugurated on June 11th, 2013 in Washington DC and several key members of the ANS were (and are still) at the heart of its activities. For example, the ANS is currently spearheading a continent-wide SUN Academic Platform that will among others, undertake in-country research into innovative nutrition solutions, analyze the evidence base for nutrition actions, identify data gaps and develop a research agenda to help fill in the gaps. As was so eloquently and passionately argued and led by Dr David Nabbaro (UN Secretary-General Ban Ki

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Moon‖s Special Representative on the SUN Agenda) at the recent launch of the second Lancet series on 6th June 2013 in London, “there is still much to do” despite tangible gains that have been captured in the Lancet Series. But the question is: who will drive the processes? Who will do the work? Who are the ―foot soldiers‖? Where is the workforce and who are the “champions” and the ―unsung heroes‖? Whilst we ponder these global and continental challenges of addressing the impact and importance of undernutrition, on the flip side chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) associated with diet and lifestyles are on the increase, adding to the burden of disease and health care costs in these same poor countries in developing countries. The irony lies in the fact that poverty, chronic hunger, maternal undernutrition and early childhood nutritional challenges in these countries have both a direct and indirect bearing on risk of NCDs later in life. Thus these same survivors or ―veterans of the early malnutrition wars‖ which started in the poorly nourished mother‖s womb through nutrition programming, carry a higher burden of NCDs whose expression depends on the environment and their ―life fortunes‖. Of particular significance in the current discourse on nutrition is the need for urgent action to reverse the current trends across the spectrum of malnutrition through ―scaling up‖ approaches of what we know works. That we know “what works” cannot be gainsaid and ample evidence is provided by a number of studies and reviews including one by the SCN and the Asian Development Bank (Allen & Gillespie, 2001) as far back as 2001; and more recently the Lancet Series on maternal, infant and young child nutrition (The Lancet, 2008; 2013). Over the last six decades (and more), a top-down, outin‖ external / donor-led and ―vertical‖ approach has characterised interventions aimed at addressing developmental needs including in nutrition. Institutions, scientists and professionals from the “West” industrialised countries with access to grant / program funding have often “partnered” their counterparts in “Southern” poor countries in Africa, Asia and elsewhere to undertake interventions aimed at “addressing” nutritional problems. Laudable though this is, it continues to give

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

the impression of ―infants still drinking milk‖ instead of growing up, preparing and eating their own solid food when it comes to Africa. This approach is simply untenable and unsustainable in 21st Century Africa. Strengthening Capacity to Address Nutritional Challenges It is well known that one of the greatest stumbling blocks for improved nutrition is lack of workforce capacity. It is ironic, that globally, anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist”. Trained nutritional scientists get upset and refer to others as “quacks”, “charlatans” and what have you. Whereas in countries across Europe, America, parts of Asia, Latin America and Southern Africa attempts are being made to streamline the nutrition “profession” and provide benchmarks for professional recognition and registration (in some cases with a protected title), no one can really blame those who though not “trained as nutritionists” are nonetheless working IN NUTRITION in parts of the world where the need is greatest. These ―foot soldiers‖ remain the main hope for vulnerable groups in many poor, ―unreachable‖ communities. As the latest Lancet Series has shown (The Lancet, 2013) there is ample evidence from Ethiopia and parts of India of the effectiveness of these barely trained ―illiterate and semiliterate‖ mostly female “Village or Community Health Workers” providing nutrition education and nutritional support with some tangible benefits to the communities they serve. Strengthening capacity to address the issues highlighted here requires addressing institutional structures as well as human capacity and a trained workforce. Such a workforce which constitutes the human capacity needed should not be limited only to trained nutritional scientists, although for the purposes of this article, the focus is mainly to highlight the need for well trained nutrition professionals to lead in the fight against nutrition-related disease. That we need a professionally competent workforce to lead in Africa‖s “nutrition agenda” is without question. There are a number of training institutions including Universities which continue to ―churn out‖ graduates with some background in nutrition spanning home economics to dietetics and food science and technology; and some schools of agriculture which also produce graduates of nutrition. The obvious question is – what is the nature and depth of training and what are the competencies

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

that these graduates possess to be given the nutrition label, and to operate as such? Is there scope to examine and review their training and opportunities to improve training to better align them with the growing workforce needs for scaling up nutrition interventions? There is no doubt in my mind that there is a place at the table for all the various groups (both literate and illiterate) currently working in nutrition in Africa. The question is how we harmonise, categorise and place their roles to reflect their training, competencies and recognition within the “nutrition fraternity”. This is a subject for much debate but which in my own view, should be past the debate stage, and rather be seeking simple, sensible, realistic and effective answers: How can we create and utilise all the talent we have to support short, medium and long term efforts to scale up nutrition and improve health and wellbeing across the continent? For the trained nutrition professionals, where do they fit in in terms of the health workforce? If they are currently not fully recognised as a profession allied to medicine, is it not about time that nutritionists made themselves more visible and were so recognised and brought to the table of health care delivery under the relevant health ministry umbrella? Whilst I raise these thought-provoking questions, how far have we as nutritionists come in structuring our own training programmes to reflect national health and nutrition needs, and to make our graduates truly and practically useful players in the wider health agenda?

workers as an important part of the mainstream health delivery system and they must be given due recognition. It is clear that none of our countries in Africa can successfully address their national nutrition and health challenges and meet their developmental targets without a properly trained workforce, nor can they achieve these goals if the institutions of learning are weak, poorly resourced and / or unable to provide the necessary training fit-for-purpose. It is also worth recognising and emphasising the fact that the human capacity needs for nutrition go beyond “trained nutritionists” and indeed must include training e.g. in nutritionsensitive agriculture, economics, other health and allied sciences and the social sciences. Folks, we have work to do to the support SUN and beyond, and there is little time for debates. This is the time for action, by all the relevant actors.

1. 2.

How can trained African nutritionists of all categories contribute meaningfully to the drive to Scale up Nutrition interventions and reduce the burden of nutritionrelated problems across the life spectrum in Africa unless their training is fit-for-purpose? Without a trained, competent and recognised workforce, I very much doubt that we can meet the challenges of addressing current nutritional problems let alone “scale them Up” over the medium to long term. So the message for the “Scaling Up Nutrition movement” and for national governments in Africa is this: You cannot, and must not ignore the nutrition workforce in all your calculations from policy to implementation of those policies including funding support for training and capacity building. You certainly cannot ignore this cadre of

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

The Lancet (2008). The Lancet series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition. Lancet 2008; 371:243-621 The Lancet (2013). 2013 Series on Maternal and Child Nutrition. Lancet382 :15-118. www.thelancet.com/ series/maternal-and-child-nutrition Allen LH & Gillespie SR (2001). What Works? A Review of the efficacy and effectiveness of nutrition interventions. UN ACC/SCN in collaboration with Asian Development Bank. ACC / SCN Nutrition Policy Paper No. 19. 123 p. WHO (2010). Outcomes of the Landscape Analysis Country Assessments (2010). www.who.int/nutrition/ lanscape_analysis.

Paul Amuna MB ChB (MD); M.MedSci; RNutr; FRSM

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

TRIBUTE

Dr. Anna Lartey A renowned African nutritionist and educationalist was on July 22, 2013 appointed Director for the Nutrition Division, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome. Her tenure commences October 1, 2013. This comes at such an appropriate time when Africa is grappling with malnutrition and its consequences. Before her appointment to the FAO, Dr. Lartey has been an Associate Professor and former Head of Department, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon. She received the prestigious Fulbright scholarship to pursue her doctoral studies at University of California, Davis and graduated with a Ph.D. in International Nutrition in 1998. She received her B.Sc. Biochemistry-Nutrition from the University of Ottawa, Canada, completed a dietetic internship at Kingston General Hospital, Canada and received her M.Sc. Nutritional Sciences from the

Photo credit: Bread of the world

University of Guelph, Canada. She is also a graduate of the African Nutrition Leadership Program. She is currently The President-Elect of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), and holds the International Development Research Center (IDRC, Canada) Research Chair in Nutrition for Health and Socio-Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has accomplished several scientific studies, publications and received accolades for her work in maternal and child nutrition, food and agriculture. On the international scene Dr. Lartey was Co-Principal Investigator for the WHO Multicenter Growth Reference Study, Ghana site, served on several WHO Expert consultations on child nutrition and currently leads the Ghana delegation to the Codex Committee on Nutrition for Special Dietary uses (CCNFSDU), where Ghana chairs the electronic working group to revise the Codex Guidelines on Formulated Supplementary Foods for Older Infants and Young Children, and a Co-Investigator on a randomized trial assessing the effects of three micronutrient supplements (Nutributter®, Sprinkles® and Foodlet) on growth and micronutrient status of Ghanaian children. She has served on WHO Expert Consultations on: Optimum duration of exclusive breastfeeding; Complementary feeding; Childhood obesity; Nutrient risk assessment. On the local scene Dr. Lartey‖s research focus has been on food habits of Ghanaian pregnant women, complementary

As a mentor, Prof. Lartey has invested quality time and resources into providing advanced training for the next generation of nutrition researchers who are excelling in academia, industry, and government both in Africa and the rest of the world. Dr. Lartey extends her experience in nutrition to several local and international boards and Committees including MRC International Nutrition Group‖s Scientific Advisory Committee; Council of the African Nutrition Society; Food and Nutrition Bulletin Editorial Board; Biodiversity International Scientific Advisory Council; Harvest Plus Program Advisory Committee and GAIN. She serves as a co-facilitator for the task force on coordination of civil society for the Scaling Up Nutrition. She was the Chairperson of the Africa Nutritional Epidemiology Conference from 2006 to 2009.Dr.Anna Lartey with the support of her collaborators has established a Nutrition Research and Training Center at Asesewa in the Eastern region of Ghana to apply their research findings to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable children in rural communities. From here, a summer dietetic/nutrition exchange program is also held and has attracted students from prestigious universities in Canada and the United States.

feeding, factors affecting the growth of Ghanaian children, as

Dr. Lartey has not only succeeded in her career. She has also

well as studies on optimizing nutrition for HIV-affected chil-

worked hard to keep a healthy and happy family. She is very

dren among others. In 2012, she was awarded the Ghana

happily married to a very supportive man and they have two

Women of Excellence Awards 2012 in recognition of her contri-

awesome children. She is also very active in her local Church

bution to Science Education and Nutrition Research in Ghana,

and community where she contributes to the welfare and de-

and previously in 2004 shewon the "Best Researcher" award at

velopment of others.

the University of Ghana.

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

REGIONAL NEWS

Central Africa Francophone countries: from food diversity to nutrition disaster Djoulde Darman Roger, Ph.D Food Sciences and Nutrition University of Maroua, Cameroon

Central Africa Francophone countries are a group of states geographically located in the center of Africa. They are grouped for the majority; within the community of states of

Photo credit: CIMMYT

Central Africa whose acronym in French is CEMAC. The CEMAC zone includes six countries: Cameroon,

million. The cultural and biological

(South Cameroon, Central African

Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea,

diversity

Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea,

the Central African Republic and

brought the region a variety in terms

Gabon,

Chad. The Democratic Republic of

of nutritional perspectives.

Congo), and lastly the RAEZ 4 Cool

Congo,

Congo

Brazzaville

within

the

area

have

Democratic

Republic

tropics (Rwanda, and parts of De-

and

Geographical location: Favor- mocratic republic of Congo). This Rwanda complete the list of CEMAC states to form the Sub Saharan able for both cultivated food rich agro ecological diversity is faFrench-speaking countries. In 2010, crops and food from biodiver- vorable for wide varieties of crops, the population of this region of Africa was estimated at more than 60

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

sity

legumes,

In fact, this sub-region is often

pected to be sufficient to boost the

rightly called "Africa in Miniature".

nutrition status of the local popula-

This is not only because of its loca-

tion. This region has high potential

tion in the heart of Africa but also

for agricultural expansion possibili-

because of its agro ecological posi-

ties. The agricultural production po-

tion, considering the classification

tential of French speaking sub-

by FAO (2012), in terms of agro eco-

Saharan African countries would be

logical zones (RAEZs). The central

sufficient to make the region food

African zone comprise all the 4

secure. In addition, the region is lo-

zones of Africa theRAEZ1 Warm arid

cated in the area were wild biodiver-

and semi-arid tropics (Chad and

sity useful for human nutrition is

Parts of Cameroon and Central Afri-

still available. Biodiversity within the

can Republic), the RAEZ 2 Warm sub

sub-regions important for food and

humid tropics (Part of Cameroon,

nutritional security, as a safeguard

Chad,

Republic),

against hunger, a source of nutri-

theRAEZ 3 Warm humid tropics

ents for improved dietary diversity

crops.

Central

African

cereals

and

roots

Such crop diversity is ex-

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Conclusion and way forward Improvement of the lives of populations in arid regions requires efforts to increase food production through conservation and restoration of the natural environment. The vulnerable people living in the arid areas in subSaharan Africa represent a relatively small share of the population. Recent promising initiatives to regreen the Sahel need to be systematically integrated in national policies, in such a way that the entire Sahel region will benefit. In addition, food programs should incorporate a Photo credit: EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection

strategy for the structural alleviation

and quality, and strengthening local

the growing season. Poor farmers

of hunger.

food systems and environmental

often take everything they can out of

sustainability.

the soil and are unwilling to invest in fertilizer because the growing sea-

Why chronic malnutrition in a son is very risky. Most farms in subfood paradise? Saharan Africa and specifically Despite these strengths in food availability within French speaking countries of the Sub-Saharan regions, statistics clearly indicate a persistence of nutritional deficien-

within CEMAC zones intercrop anything with everything. Growing a mixture of crops and varying land management are strategies for adjusting to different soil and water regimes.

References Ndiaye, M. B. O. (2007). Respect des critères de convergence vs harmonisation des critères de convergence: étude comparative des performances des indicateurs de convergence économique dans la zone Franc en Afrique (UEMOA et CEMAC). Revue africaine de l‖intégration, 1(2), 31-69. Policy, E., & Dependence, E. (2000).Agriculture and Nutrition. studies (Newbury Park etc.), 30 (4), 515-533.

cies within CEMAC zone. This may be

Demand for food will increase by

linked to few reasons within which,

300% in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the

Djoulde. D.R., Justin, E. N. J., & Francois-Xavier,

land degradation, particularly acute

last decades, the number of under-

E. (2012) Nutritional properties of “Bush

in this Sub-Saharan African region

nourished people has increased by

where long-term overuse of soil and

51% in this region. Population and

low, unpredictable rainfall are the

income growth result in a more than

prime reasons for poor food produc-

fourfold increase in total food de-

tion. This sub zone is essentially a

mand by 2050, compared to 2000,

region of small holders and its envi-

which is a much stronger increase

ronments are very sensitive. At rela-

than in other regions of the world.

tively low population densities tradi-

The resulting increase in food de-

tional methods start to degrade the

mand will be further enforced by the

soil and threaten future production.

projected annual economic growth

Climatic realities result, except in

of more than 5% over the 2010–2050

some humid zones, frequent crop

periods.

Meals” from North Cameroon‖s Biodiversity.Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 3(3):1482-1493 AJEBE, L. (2012). Neglected Resource for Hunger and Poverty Alleviation-: City Food Production.

Djoulde Darman Roger

failures from drought or dry spells in

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Eastern Africa takes on the SUN movement by storm through multisectoral engagements Muniirah Mbabazi Robert Fungo Malnutrition remains one of the several development challenges of our time, claiming millions of lives of global citizens, a majority from the developing world. UNICEF 2013 estimates about 80% of the world‖s 165 million stunted children live in 14 countries mainly in Asia and Africa. Malnutrition affects both mother and child, reducing the child‖s chances of survival and the mother‖s production capabilities. There is strong evidence on the effects of malnutrition on the development potential of individuals and nations. Despite the magnitude of the problem, in many countries nutrition remains poorly funded. Currently nutrition is rising high on the global agenda and there is wide spread consensus on improving nutrition as one of the best investments for health and poverty alleviation. On the global and local scene, there has been stimulated interest and wide spread concern and call for action to end malnutrition especially undernutrition. International effort to tackle undernutrition through the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and 1,000 days partnership underscore the need for committed collaboration across health and development sectors; and new and better investment form the public, private and civil society actors in donor countries as well as middle and low income countries. The Sun movement encourages bringing several sectors on board (multisectoral approach) to tackle the malnutrition challenge. This is a proven strategy given the multi faceted nature of malnutrition.

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

Since its inception in 2010, African states have embraced the SUN movement with 28 out of the 41 SUN countries being African states and more will be joining. Eastern African states have welcomed the movement with many of them getting on board. Fifty percent of the African SUN countries are from the Eastern African region with the latest entry from Kenya. Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania were among the early raiser countries embracing the SUN movement at its inception. The SUN movement is an opportunity for states to tackle the malnutrition challenge and it relies on national leaders taking ownership and responsibility for delivering sustainable solutions to improve nutrition in their countries. SUN countries through the world are joined in an effort to successfully bridge the gap between creating sustainable improvements in global nutrition and funding. As SUN countries, states are take on a collaborative approach to bring together the people and resources needed to scale up nutrition interventions as well as implement nutrition –sensitive cross-sector strategies. Resources for scaling up nutrition include putting coherent policy and legal framework in place; implementing and aligning programs with common objectives/goal and a framework for tracking progress; and mobilising sufficient resources (domestic and international) to realise results. The numbers of malnourished children may not be visibly dropping; the good news is that governments within the region are putting in place suitable legal frameworks to foster this effort in future. Existing programs and nutrition action plans have been aligned with the SUN framework all geared towards achieving the SUN goal- Ending Under nutrition. The SUN movement takes into account specific country needs and capabilities, priorities and processes and therefore encourages countries to establish own targets for nutrition in the SUN areas. The SUN focus areas include: Universal access to affordable nutritious

food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare and social protection; Increased adoption of practices that contribute to good nutrition (such as exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life); Optimal growth of children, demonstrated as reduced levels of stunting (low height for age) and wasting (low weight for height); and Improved micro-nutrient status, especially in women and children, demonstrated as reduced levels of micronutrient deficiency. In United republic of Tanzania, emphasis has been on decentralisation and nutrition budget line in the national budget, to ensure that nutrition interventions are closest to the affected communities; In Kenya Nutrition legislation has been strengthened and decentralisation fostered; In Uganda a comprehensive approach has been sought to foster multisectoral linkages within the Uganda Nutrition Action Plan framework which is aligned with nation priorities; In Rwanda and Malawi, nutrition leadership has been fostered. The current impetus and impact in various SUN countries will be maintained through maintaining political leadership, expanding existing activities, maintaining investment and monitoring achievement on the SUN goal in respective Countries. It is hoped that the SUN movement initiative will go a long way in reducing or even ending hunger.

Muniirah Mbabazi Nutritionist Nutritsat Uganda

Robert Fungo Secretary General at the African Nutrition Society

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Nutrition challenges in North African countries Hanane LABRAIMI Ali JAFRI

Over the past decades the North African region has witnessed significant social, economic, demographic and political changes that have greatly influenced the nature, and magnitude of health and nutrition problems in the Region as a whole. While the countries of the region still struggle with problems of undernutrition, the burden of overweight, obesity and other related chronic diseases is increasing due to nutrition transition and deep technical and societal changes in societies that generally doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;t recognize obesity as public health problem. Societies and health systems concerned are not prepared for this development specially that health and economic consequences are enormous on North African regions. The Region also faces other challenges that contribute generally to malnutrition, including in-country inequalities, limited natural resources, recurrent drought conditions, high population growth rates, and HIV in some countries. The key nutrition challenges facing the Region are malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, NCDs, and foodborne diseases. This increase is related to the nutrition transition. The nutrition transition refers to transition from a monotonous diet, but rich in starch and fiber, low in fat and a physically active lifestyle to a more diverse but rich in sugars diet, saturated animal fats and engineered foods low in

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

fruits, vegetables and fiber and a sedentary lifestyle fashion. This step typically described as "Westernization" of behavior is conducive to metabolic storage diseases - obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes - heart disease and some cancers. The progression of these diseases occurs while still persist in these countries the stigma of malnutrition type to deficiency such as anemia and stunting. The coexistence of states of over-and under-nutrition (double load) is a real problem to health care in these countries unprepared for this change. This requires a rethinking of health policies, giving emphasis to prevention in the field of overweight and NCDs. It also requires to adapt nutrition messages when nutritional, apparently contradictory situations, can be found within the same company of the same family or even a single individual. These actions require prior understanding of the underlying factors. In this context, the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean

has divided the Eastern Mediterranean Region into four groups, that include North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria â&#x20AC;Ś Over the past decades the North African region has witnessed significant social, economic, demographic and political changes that have greatly influenced the nature, and magnitude of health and nutrition problems in the Region as a whole. While the countries of the region still struggle with problems of undernutrition, the burden of overweight, obesity and other related chronic diseases is increasing due to nutrition transition in societies that generally donâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;t recognize obesity as public health problem. The Region also faces other challenges that contribute generally to malnutrition, including in-country inequalities, limited natural resources, recurrent drought conditions, high population growth rates, and HIV in some countries. The key nutrition challenges facing the Region are malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity and noncommunicable diseases, and foodborne diseases.

Figure: Prevalence of NCDs in North African countries. (Data: World Health Organization)

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

The Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean has divided the Eastern Mediterranean Region into four groups, or country clusters that include North African countries, with regard to nutrition stages and dominant nutrition problems, major risk factors and underlying causes, program interventions and gaps in response to these problems, and enabling environment factors for improved action. These four groups can be categorized as: countries in advanced nutrition transition stage; countries in early nutrition transition stage; countries with significant undernutrition; and countries in complex emergency. Some countries appear in more than one group. Countries in transition

advanced

nutrition

These countries have high levels of overweight and obesity, and moderate levels of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in some population subgroups and that includes Tunisia. Countries in early nutrition transition These countries are characterized by moderate levels of overweight and obesity, moderate levels of undernutrition in specific population and age groups, and widespread micronutrient deficiencies: Egypt, Libya, and Morocco. Countries with significant undernutrition These countries have particularly high levels of acute and chronic child malnutrition, widespread micronutrient deficiencies, and emerging overweight, obesity and malnutrition of affluence in certain socio-

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

economic subgroups: which is the case of Mauritania and population subgroups in Tunisia.

1. Nutritional survey of a representative random sample of the population

Countries in complex emergency

2. Interview study to gather views of representatives of the various categories of key stakeholders (policy makers, sector managers in connection with the supply of the population, public health and education, associations, media, etc.) to develop actions in obesity prevention.

Sudan is the country in complex emergency situations with severe child and maternal undernutrition and widespread micronutrient deficiencies. However, significant progress has been made over the past three decades in a large number of countries in the Region in improving infant and young child nutrition. UNICEF reported in 2006 that Tunisia and Mauritania were both on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals targeting reduction in the proportion of underweight children under 5 years of age; 3 countries (Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco) had contained underweight prevalence rates at or below 10%, while Sudan was not on track to meet the MDGs. The objective in the region is to contribute to the development of strategies to prevent obesity and NCDs, strategies that should be adapted to the context of nutrition transition, and feasible as acceptable by the multiple stakeholders. It have also as objectives to determine the nature and extent of the double burden and estimate the prevalence of biological and behavioral factors risk characterization and psychosocial determinants of behavior and collect the views of key stakeholders on options for action.

Nutrition transition is seriously installed in the area. Nutrition education and awareness to physical activity are needed. On the other side control strategies against micronutrients deficiency and anemia should identify populations at risk and advocate nutritional communication more aggressively and in the same time, taking into account the problem of overweight and double burden.

Hanane Labraimi Institut de formation aux carriĂ¨res de santĂŠ. Rabat Morocco

Ali Jafri UniversitĂŠ Hassan II Mohammedia Casablanca, Morocco ali.jafri@univh2m.ac.ma

To achieve these objectives, two complementary approaches are implemented simultaneously:

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

PARTNERS SECTION

The Agenda of the

The Federation of African Nutrition

nutrition research, teaching and ser-

Federation of African

Societies (FANUS) is a voluntary, not

vice delivery; Encouraging and sup-

for profit umbrella body for Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;s

porting conferences and workshops

Nutrition Societies

national

associations/

to allow exchange of information

(FANUS)

societies affiliated to the Interna-

and sharing of experiences among

tional Union of Nutrition Sciences

nutritionists both within the conti-

(IUNS). Membership to the Federa-

nent and from other continents; Re-

Joyce Kinabo

tion is open to all not-for-profit na-

conceptualizing the role of nutrition

Sokoine University of Agriculture

tional

profession

nutrition

associations/

the

development

societies in African countries. Only

agenda of Africa and in the changing

one association/society per country

global economy; Encouraging com-

may join the federation, such an as-

munication

sociation must have a constitution

among nutrition scientists in Africa;

that is acceptable to the Federation

and Encouraging and promoting dis-

Council. Regional nutrition societies

semination of information in nutri-

may also become members of the

tion sciences through modern infor-

federation.

mation technology.

Formed in 2002, following the need

The federation is governed by a

to establish a continental body to

council that constitutes of;

coordinate efforts geared towards

President, three Vice Presidents

promoting the advancement of nu-

from the three regions in Africa

trition in addressing Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;s unique

(South, North and West), Secretary

challenges; FANUS currently has 22

General, Treasurer and six ordinary

IUNS adhering member societies.

council members. The day to day

FANUS envisions improving visibility,

activities are executed by the presi-

relevance and functionality national

dent, vice presidents, secretary gen-

nutrition societies. In addition it

eral and treasurer. The current

seeks to strengthen the functioning

FANUS president is Professor Joyce

and sustainability of national nutri-

Kinabo of the Sokoine University of

tion societies to achieve goals, unite

Agriculture in Tanzania.

and influence the nutrition agenda in Africa.

and

collaboration

Website: http://www.africanutrition.org/

The federation operates based on seven key areas of focus which include; Promoting the advancement of nutrition science in Africa in a way, that does not detract the autonomy of any of the member states; Encouraging and promoting closer contact and interaction among the nutritional associations; Encouraging

and supporting training pro-

grammes to improve the quality of

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

the

The East Central and

silent and yet devastating burden to

countries also committed to con-

Southern Africa (ECSA) re-

the governments and peoples. This

tinue supporting the salt iodization

has led to decreased productivity

agenda by ensuring that more than

gional food fortification

and economic losses to govern-

90% of households consume ade-

initiative: A model of

ments and citizens of these regions.

quately iodized salt.

regional collaboration in

Though the region has made great

At this initial workshop, countries

strides towards the eradication of

clearly saw the value added by hav-

iodine deficiency disorders through

ing a regional approach and ex-

salt iodization programs, it is still

pressly stated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building regional

faced with many micronutrient defi-

collaboration will facilitate the im-

cienciesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including vitamin A, iron,

plementation of this vital national

zinc, folate and other B-vitamins.

public health interventionâ&#x20AC;?. With this

Food fortification continues to at-

commitment and collaboration, the

tract the attention of development

ECSA Regional Food Fortification Ini-

partners and governments because

tiative/Program was born. Gaps and

it is cost-effective and sustainable in

challenges in initiating country pro-

nature. Fortifying centrally proc-

grams were identified and priori-

essed foods that form part of the

tized.

nutrition

Dr. Josephine Kibaru-Mbae Director General of the ECSA Health Community

Micronutrient malnutrition is a widespread public health problem especially in the developing regions of the world. Though it affects all age groups, young children and women of reproductive age are most at risk. The most common forms of micronutrient malnutrition are iron, iodine and vitamin A deficiency; and lately zinc and folic acid deficiencies.

Though

required

small

amounts for proper body functioning and homeostasis, micronutrient deficiencies can lead to huge public health costs and loss of human capital formation. These deficiencies are more significant in designing strate-

daily diet of most populations can easily be introduced at a minimal cost to reduce the high burden of micronutrient deficiencies in the region. To this end, the Health Ministers Conference of the ECSA Health Community (ECSA HC) urged member states to prioritize nutrition interventions and passed a resolution in 2002 urging member states to initiate and implement food fortification programs as strategic public health interventions for reduction of micronutrient deficiencies.

With the support of Partners such as USAID, UNICEF and Micronutrient Initiative (MI), a number of significant milestones such as the Standards for food fortification have been achieved. Consultatively developed with country teams, they are based on international guidelines aligned with the local context, countries have adopted them to help start up programs and are progressively revised in line with specific country context. The standards have been regionally harmonized to facilitate

gies for the prevention and control

In an endeavor to support countries

fair trade in fortified foods among

of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, ma-

to take forward this Resolution, the

neighboring countries of the East

laria and tuberculosis, diet-related

ECSA Secretariat with support from

African Community.

chronic diseases and stunting.

USAID-East Africa convened the first

In the East, Central and Southern Africa (ECSA) region, more than 10 million women and children suffer from

micronutrient

deficiencies.

Generally, micronutrient deficiencies in the ECSA region constitute a

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

regional workshop where countries discussed and identified four staple foods that are commonly consumed which could provide effective channels for essential micronutrients. These include, oil, sugar, maize flour and wheat flour. In addition, these

Safe and efficacious food fortification relies upon the availability of food control procedures. ECSA-HC developed

several

food

control

manuals for the fortified foods whose scope include: procedure for internal quality control in factories;

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

inspection and auditing of factory

sis of data from some of the Na-

utilization of meager national re-

procedures; and inspection of foods

tional surveys such as the Health

sources. A regional approach also

at markets and at the importation

Information

Services

provides an opportunity for peer re-

sites. The manuals are in use to

(HIES) to estimate the consumption

view and assessment among mem-

strengthen food control systems in

of fortified foods and the potential

ber countries and institutions within

the countries. They have since been

impact of food fortification.

these countries. This supplements

adopted by other regions and translated into French and Spanish.

Exchange

The ECSA-Secretariat has provided a platform for advocacy and sharing of

To further strengthen the regulatory

best practices amongst member

and inspection systems, ECSA-HC

countries. Various fora have been

established a regional laboratory

organized by the Secretariat with

proficiency network among food

support from Development Partners

control laboratories across Kenya,

to provide opportunities for program

Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zam-

managers and contemporaries in

bia in 2005 and which was expanded

the food fortification program to

to include Ethiopia, Rwanda and Bu-

share experiences and ideas, les-

rundi in 2009. This was aimed to en-

sons learned; and set program ob-

sure that countries have laborato-

jectives for the region. This has posi-

ries that are supported by a peer-

tively created peer pressure which

network to be able to verify the com-

has stirred accelerated action in

pliance of the fortified foods with

countries. With this improved capac-

standards and regulations. A manual

ity, all ECSA countries have initiated

was also produced and tested for the

fortification of several foods with 3

analytical assays for key micronutri-

of the countries- Kenya, Uganda and

ents added to fortified foods.

Tanzania- legislating mandatory pro-

To date, more than 100 government officials have been trained on various aspects of food fortification. Officials from the Bureau of Standards were trained on designing safe and efficacious fortification programs,

vocacy and facilitates uptake and scaling up of existing programs. More importantly, it is in perfect harmony with increased regional trade and economic integration, a phenomenon that can significantly introduce the required scale of intervention for Micronutrient Deficiency Reduction.

J. Kibaru-Mbae Director General of the ECSA Health Community

grams on oil, wheat flour and Maize flour. This readiness to initiate programs has attracted the attention of donors with the willingness to partner with the ECSA countries to scale up fortification programs.

while the food control inspectors in

In conclusion, a solid case has been

regulatory authorities were trained

made for the value of a regional ap-

on how to plan food control exer-

proach to addressing nutritional

cises and prepare reports that can

problems and other public health

be used to inform on performance of

maladies. A regional approach to

the program. Laboratory analysts

planning and implementation of pro-

and technicians have been trained

grams reduces duplication of efforts

on the use of testing methods in the

analysis of micronutrient in foods.

tools and guidelines and harnesses

Those involved in planning, monitor-

available resources in the region for

ing and evaluation (Bureau of Statis-

development of skills of technical

tics) have also been trained in analy-

personnel and thereby maximize the

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

countries effort in national level ad-

development

standardized

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

The experience of the

quired a dedicated team to con-

CSOs purposefully targeted and re-

Uganda Action for

structively bring together individual

quested world leaders to increase

members as well as maintain coali-

funding for nutrition sensitive initia-

Nutrition (UGAN) in the

tion interests and minimise conflict

tives and programs. The activities

Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN)

of interest; a neutral organisation

during this week were meant to re-

among the players was sought.

mind government and donors to

Uganda Action for nutrition (UGAN), a

commit more finances to scaling up

registered professional body bring-

nutrition programming. The Civil so-

ing together nutrition professionals

cieties too, were being called upon

and advocates for appropriate policy

to align their programs with the

and legal framework for nutrition in

Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP)

Uganda was nominated and voted by

in addressing undernutrition.

Movement Muniirah Mbabazi Kato Peterson Kikomeko

2010, the United

members as the coalition‖s chair to

States and the government of Ire-

spear head and oversee UCCO-SUN‖s

land launched the Scaling Up Nutri-

agenda. To date the coalition has

tion (SUN) Movement, an initiative

over 40 members of which; half are

focusing on the 1000 days of life with

fully registered with the coalition.

a theme Change a Life Change a Fu-

UGAN houses the UCCO-SUN secre-

ture. The SUN movement brings to-

tariat, World Vision Uganda is the

gether a diverse group of stake-

focal point organisation that han-

holders interested in improving the

dles the coalition‖s logistics and WHO

global nutrition landscape. The SUN

aims at integrating solutions across

through which UCCO-SUN funding is

sectors and working together by cre-

channelled.

September

ating sustainable change that no one program, organisation, business or government can achieve alone.

the

UN partner

organisation

UCCO-SUN was formed to foster civil societies‖ capacity in nutrition advocacy, monitoring and accountability. Through policy engagement, the coa-

have joined the SUN movement.

lition brings together civil society

Uganda was among the first coun-

actors in Uganda for joint nutrition

tries to join the SUN Movement and

advocacy,

the government has since then

awareness and community mobili-

taken steps to scale up nutrition

sation.

local level. Civil society organisations working towards improving nutrition in Uganda came together in a coalition to applaud and push ahead the SUN agenda. The Uganda Civil Society Coalition on Scaling Up Nutrition (UCCO-SUN) was born in March 2011. Realising that coordination of the coalition‖s actions posed a daunting task and therefore re-

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

the

leadership of UGAN successfully applied for a grant in 2011 from the global SUN Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) through the now Civil Society Network. These funds are aimed at strengthening civil societies‖ capacity to contribute to the SUN agenda among the CSOs in Uganda. However, the coalition faces challenges in enhancing its capability,

Since its launch, over 40 countries

sensitive actions at national and

Furthermore the coalition under the

information

international

low progress towards road map implementation and sustainability of current effort and momentum. The future for the UCCO-SUN remains a predictable success under UGAN‖s leadership.

sharing,

and

local

scenes UCCOSUN advocates for improved nutrition indicators and lobbies policy makers to create budget lines for nutrition at national and local

level.

Recently,

UCCOSUN

hosted a weeklong of activities to mark the global week of action that was coordinated by UGAN and World Vision Uganda. In the advocacy week

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

AGSNet: the past,

laboration, knowledge dissemina-

North, South, West and East Africa,

present and future

tion, transfer of expertise and adop-

Europe and North America support

tion of good practices. Also, there is

the Coordinating Committee. There

lack of adequate political will in sup-

are also country representatives,

port of a nutrition agenda (which is

who are encouraged to organize pro-

often non-existent) in many African

grams at the country level and pro-

countries. Consequently, attempts

mote activities for the network. The

at eliminating malnutrition prob-

main mode of communication is via

lems on the continent have yielded

email. The network has a website

minimal impact. These challenges

which is currently undergoing re-

have contributed in no small way to

structuring and a Facebook account.

the unlikeliness of many countries

AGSNet meets every two years to

in Africa to meet the Millennium De-

take stock of its activities, elect new

velopment Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

officer bearers, and to set goals and

Joseph Ashong Hayford Mawuli Avedzi

“To reduce food and nutrition insecurity, research-based policies and programs must be developed and implemented effectively. But in SubSaharan Africa, weak technical, financial, and administrative capacities and a serious lack of cooperation among relevant sectors have inhibited progress towards food security”[1]

In order to address these challenges, the AGSNet has focused strategically on nutrition capacity development by creating a platform for networking, sharing opportunities and building relationship among students and

The African Graduate Students‖ Network (AGSNet) was initiated in 2002 by a group of African students studying nutrition at Cornell University, USA. The goal of the organization is to provide a forum for effective collaboration among African graduate students studying nutrition worldwide and professionals interested in minimizing and ultimately eradicating malnutrition on the African con-

young

African

professionals—the

future leaders of Africa. Through this, the AGSNet aims at building core nutrition competencies as well as appropriate attitudes and values

for

its

―c a l e n d a r

year‖ (which spans 2 years). AGSNet members are always encouraged and supported by the network to attend conferences, training workshops and seminars to enhance their technical capacities, gain exposure and learn about the latest developments in the field of nutrition while networking with experts in the field and building social capital.

such as trust among its members,

As the saying goes, “there is strength

organizational skills, and above all, a

in unity”. AGSNet is constantlyon the

unified front in the ―fight‖ against

lookout for opportunities to collabo-

malnutrition in Africa.

rate with strategic and similar goal-

Membership and operations

tinent.

The African Nutrition Graduate Stu-

The AGSNet initiative arose from the

has over 400 African graduate stu-

observation that, inadequate nutri-

dents from over 40 countries study-

tion capacity development was a

ing nutrition in academic institu-

major hindrance to solving the high

tions in Africa, Europe, North Amer-

prevalence of malnutrition on the

ica and Asia. The network is run by a

African continent. While countries

Steering Committee, which com-

across the African continent face

prises a Coordinating Committee

very similar nutrition challenges,

headed by a Coordinator currently

there has not been much inter- and

based in Cornell University in the

to some extent, intra-country col-

USA. Regional representatives in

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

programs

dents Network (AGSNet) currently

oriented organizations. For instance, members of the network are encouraged to attend the annual African Nutrition Leadership Program (ANLP) in South Africa to develop core leadership skills. AGSNet participates fully in the activities of the Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS) and was actively involved in the most recent meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. The network currently holds it biennial congress as part of the African

Nutritional

Epidemiology

Conference (ANEC) organized by the African Nutrition Society (ANS). The

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

most recent was held in Bloemfon-

on ways to keep members active and

tein, South Africa in 2012.

involved in the activities of the net-

Challenges Majority of AGSNet members are graduate students who move on after their graduate training. Keeping up the interest and enthusiasm of members after their training as well as

encouraging

new

students/

members to join has always been a challenge. Financing an organization such as the AGSNet, which has a large student membership, has been another challenge. In addition, the poor internet communication services in many African countries affects the timely response to mail as well as limiting members‖ access to resources and opportunities that are made available to them. These challenges notwithstanding, the network keeps pushing and working to meet its primary objectives. The network has been able to hold successful general biennial meetings since its inauguration in 2005 in Durban, South Africa. The AGSNet has also achieved its core objective to a large extent. Dr. Folake Samuel of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria sums it all with this statement “I know what the AGSNet has done for me” during one

work. The network will continue to

Our special appreciation goes to the

facilitate participation of its mem-

United Nations University, Cornell

bers in international meetings. The

University (College of Human Ecol-

next general meeting of the network

ogy) which currently hosts the net-

is scheduled to coincide with the VI

work‖s

ANEC conference in 2014 in Accra,

Foundation, Sight and Life, Clive West

Ghana. At this meeting, the network

Micronutrient Foundation, African

will be focusing on re-evaluating the

Nutrition Society (ANS) for their im-

original intentions of the founders

mense support. Professors Patrick

and coming up with practical ways

Stover, the late Michael Latham and

by which these intentions could be

Tola Atinmo deserve special ac-

realized in advancing the AGSNet to

knowledgement for their support

the next level. The network‖s consti-

and encouragement. The tireless

tution will also be revised with re-

efforts of members, both present

gards to the leadership structure

and past, have kept the network

and hosting, the Coordinating Com-

alive and growing from strength to

mittee and the Coordinator. [NM1] It

strength. Members in Nigeria and

is our earnest hope that these prag-

the North American chapter, espe-

matic ideas will be adopted and im-

cially Canada, deserve applause for

plemented to move the network a

their dedication to the activities of

step further. Discussions will also be

the network.

[1] Babu, S.C., et al., Strengthening Africa's

and other key issues will be dis-

capacity to design and implement strategies

cussed in preparation for the meeting and all members are encouraged to actively contribute to the discourse.

Final words

among African graduate students

from members and non-members

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

tional Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Joseph Ashong

joa@cornell.edu

forum for effective collaboration

ership is open to innovative ideas

for food and nutrition security, 2004, Interna-

AGSNet Coordinator Cornell University

2011.

of the network and the AGSNet lead-

Nutrition

the African Nutrition Society. These

FANUS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria in

sions and efforts to change the face

Nestle

tionship and/or role of AGSNet within

While the AGSNet exists to provide a

There are plans and on-going discus-

website,

finalized in Accra on the exact rela-

of the network‖s deliberations at the

Future plans

Acknowledgements

studying nutrition and nutrition pro-

H. Mawuli Avedzi

fessionals worldwide, it cannot work

University of Alberta

in isolation. Our doors are therefore

mawulify@yahoo.com

open to all those who share in our vision and have innovative and pragmatic ideas for moving nutrition in Africa and the network forward.

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

The Algerian Society of Nu-

- To organize one or several scien-

tic approaches. In December 2012, in

trition : A Run-up for Food

tific meetings a year, alone or with

Vol. 01, N° 00, were published the

the partnership of other societies

proceedings of the 1st International

and Nutrition in

and organisms.

Congress of the SAN. In 2013, in Vol.

Algeria !

- To generate works of collective ex-

Malika BOUCHENAK-KHELLADI

pertise. - To encourage and broadcast infor-

of Nutrition

mation and the scientific findings, in particular by creating a scientific journal.

sented with national and interna-

a social character, that has been created in 2011. It is domiciled at

researchers,

medical doctors, private practitioners, state employees working in the field of food-processing industry,

years old, by promoting the better

ministerial departments interested

food practices and physical activity.

in its objectives.

Indeed, to act on prevention re-

The SAN organized its 1st International Congress in 2012 (5th and 6th December), in Oran, Algeria. This conference was an opportunity of

and PhD students.

exchange and discussions around

The SAN has several missions:

health, metabolic physiopathology,

- To promote nutrition in all its applicable fields (health, agronomy, food-

many aspects of food, nutrition & phytotherapy & health, and finally the biotechnologies and nutrition.

processing industry, biotechnology,

The SAN created its biannual journal

environment).

entitled ―Nutrition & Santé‖ ISSN 2253

- To create and develop links between basic and applied research, as well as with practical sectors, administrative and institutional application and the population. - To organize or support initiatives of training, information and popularization in nutrition fields, by taking into account the priorities of public health.

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

tives are to prevent nutritional defi-

- To work with all institutions and

tivities in nutrition.

teachers,

Nestlé Algérie. This project‖s objec-

the schoolchildren between 7 and 11

activities on the whole national terriare

in Algeria, in partnership with the

ciencies and overweight-obesity in

- To organize, at best, actions or ac-

160,

gram project entitled «HealthyKids»

tional authorities.

Oran University and exercises its tory. Most of its members, about

Besides, the SAN is involved in a Pro-

Ministry of Health (MSPRH) and

- To assure that nutrition is repre-

(SAN) is a scientific association with

papers presented during the same congress will be published.

President of the Algerian Society

The Algerian Society of Nutrition

02, N°01 and N° 02, selected original

quires the implication and collaboration of several stakeholders, including scientists, academics, NGOs, consumers, health policy makers, the food-processing industry, and national and international authorities. Nutritional education is thus a powerful tool to make sure that the children understand the importance of the nutrition and the physical activity for their health throughout their life.

-0983, with an international scien-

M. Bouchenak-Khelladi

tific committee. This journal aspires

Oran University

to publish any works in English and French related to the fields of nutrition, food sciences, biotechnologies, metabolic

physiopathology

Director of the Clinical and Metabolic Nutrition Laboratory contact@san-dz.org Www.san-dz.org

(diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension), cardiovascular physiopathology, pharmacological and nutritional therapeutic approaches, as well as phytotherapeu-

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

OBITUARY

The African Nutrition Society Celebrates Nevin S. Scrimshaw

The African Nutrition Society (ANS) has learnt with profound sadness the passing of Professor Nevin Scrimshaw, a leading light and force major for nutrition over the last eight decades or more. Nevin‖s life and work speaks for itself and as has been captured variously in the media and the nutrition community, this great pioneer has been a teacher, mentor, researcher, and influenced not only many a nutritional scientist and leader today, but global nutrition policy. As a young organisation with aspirations that matched his own vision and ambitions for nutrition training and capacity building in Africa, we were delighted to be asked to host a celebration of Professor Scrimshaw‖s 90 th birthday at our 3rd Africa Nutritional Epidemiology Conference (ANEC III) in Cairo, Egypt in 2008. In paying tribute to him, we initiated the “Nevin Scrimshaw Award” for excellence in international nutrition of which he was the first recipient. Professor Scrimshaw is the epitome of a great teacher and trainer of the ―can do‖ variety who through great sacrifices, sought to follow the strength of his convictions and toiled to promote the global nutrition agenda and in particular, nutrition and health in developing countries. It is therefore with the greatest honour that ANS joins the global nutrition fraternity to celebrate the life and work of Professor Nevin S Scrimshaw. As a scientific learned society for nutrition, we are proud to continue to be associated with the Nevin S Scrimshaw Internaitional Nutrition Foundation, and will continue to honour him through the “Nevin S Scrimshaw Award” and the Nevin S Scrimshaw Medal which is presented biennially to outstanding scientists in international nutrition.

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

Announcements 15-20 September 2013

19-21 November 2014

IUNS 20th International Congress of Nutrition

Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)

Malaga, Spain

Rome, Italy

Website: http://icn2013.com/

More info: http://www.fao.org/food/nutritional-policiesstrategies/icn2/en/

30 Jan-1 Feb 2014

International Conference on Nutrition & Growth Barcelona, Spain Website: http://ng.kenes.com/

10-19 March 2014

12th African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP 2014) South Africa Website: africanutritionleadership.org

21-25 July 2014

6th African Nutritional Epidemiology Conference (ANEC 6) Accra, Ghana Theme: Food and Nutrition security in Africa: New challenges for sustainability

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters

AFRICAN NUTRITION MATTERS OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE AFRICAN NUTRITION SOCIETY

September 2013 | Volume 01 | Issue 1

AFRICAN NUTRITION Matters