NNA-Kenya partners with Nestlé Nutrition Institute to introduce “First 1 000 Days Academy” for Kenya’s nurses and midwives

In March 2018 the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNA-Kenya) in partnership with Nestlé Nutrition Institute Africa (NNIA) launched a post-graduate course to equip paediatric and midwifery nurses with knowledge and skills they can pass on to mothers in the ‘First 1 000 Days of a child’s life. The programme is based on a partnership between Nestlé and the National Nurses Association to promote healthy nutrition in the crucial first 1 000 days, when it has the greatest impact on life-long health.

The NNAK-NNIA ‘First 1 000 Days Nurses Academy’ (the name given to the post-grad course) aims to translate the latest science into practical nutrition and feeding advice in addressing these challenges. This is expected to give nurses the incredible opportunity to help babies reach their full potential so that every baby can lead a happy, healthy and productive life.

The post-graduate course will be conducted annually by distinguished experts and is expected to play a great role in helping the country address the worrying cases of infant mortality and malnutrition. The course will include three modules: Maternal Nutrition in Preconception & Pregnancy; Complementary Feeding; and Toddler Nutrition.

Kenya will be the first country to launch this programme not only in the East African Region but globally. We are targeting a total of 400 nurses drawn from both private and public health hospitals across the country. The academy was conducted over two days on the 8th and 9^th of March. Upon completion of the course each nurse received a certificate and earned critical CPD points. 

NNAK is a professional association that promotes excellence in nursing and midwifery. It represents all cadres of nurses in Kenya drawn from practice settings, education and research institutions. Established in 1968, the association is duly registered with branches in all the 47 counties across the country.