NNIA collaborates with relevant associations to raise nutrition knowledge of health care providers

In line with the Nestlé Nutrition Institute Africa’s focus on information sharing as well as education and training to foster academic and professional excellence among health care providers (HCPs), the Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa (NNIA) embarked on raising nutrition knowledge of HCPs through organizing training workshops in various locations. This is planned to culminate in June 2016. The objectives are:

• To provide more information on the critical role of Nutrition in the first 1 000 days of life
• To help health care professionals bridge the gap between science and practical application of good nutrition
• To provide participants with access to nutrition information and tools to help them in making good nutrition choices based on knowledge

The training which is tagged: “Early nutrition and long term health outcome” aims at reaching about 1 000 HCPs in Nigeria and Ghana. As at date the training has held at five locations and has reached over 500 HCPs already. Some collaborators include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Rivers State; Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Oyo State; Primary Health Care Board, Ogun State; Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN) etc. The participation of ex-NNIA training participants as part of the resource further enhanced the faculty.

Feedback from the participating HCPs confirmed that they were empowered as they are constantly faced with opportunities to make nutrition decisions in their practice.  The group work sessions and refresher on ‘Helping Babies Breathe’ skills were well appreciated by the participants. The training continues as part commitment to NNIA vision that aims at the African continent where people live better nourished healthier and longer lives.