Nutrition capacity development in the middle East and North Africa

ABSTRACT

The Middle East and North African Nutrition Capacity Development Initiative started in July 2004 as a component of a global initiative spearheaded by UNU and IUNS for development of human and institutional capacity in nutrition. The Middle East and North Africa Nutrition Association [MENANA] was established as an affiliated body to IUNS and took responsibility for identifying core areas for nutrition capacity building in the region. The members adopted a "new conceptual framework for planning nutrition capacity development activities within a comprehensive ten-year plan of action, using a new Conceptual Framework and Guideline for Nutrition Capacity Development Planning developed by Dr. Gohar for use by the MENANA members. A future vision for food security was agreed upon, supported by a prioritized plan of action. The member found that Regional research capacity needs strengthening to address the role of nutrition in prevention of diet related diseases and combating .malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies. Mapping research centers in the region was the first task decided to be undertaken by MENANA. Nutrition training to strengthen regional skills of nutritionists has been planned. Nutrition academic education and accreditation of dieticians was discussed, and a regional accreditation examination for dietitians established by MENANA. In the area of nutrition advocacy/education communication, a steering committee was established to organize workshops to enhance regional advocacy. Nutrition networking was planned to strengthen regional inter-country collaboration and cooperation for nutrition capacity building. The selected priorities were supported by the establishment of a regional Nutrition Capacity Building website to include a database of nutritionists in the region, their affiliations and field of interest. A matrix of selected, simple and sensitive nutrition status indicators was planned to be published in the website for the purpose of monitoring regional nutrition status. The website will also provide information services to nutrition professionals in the region and will be linked to important updated nutrition information