Overview
The 9th Africa Nutrition Conference (formerly known as the Africa Nutrition Epidemiology Conference, but still retaining its signature acronym ANEC) will be held in the historic and picturesque city of Cape Coast in Ghana 7th to 11th October 2024. In line with the philosophy of the African Nutrition Society (ANS) and its ANEC conferences, the ANEC IX Conference theme has been chosen to highlight and reflect the succession of global and regional crises and issues currently impacting on nutrition and health, and their implications for research, practice, advocacy and the training of nutrition and health professionals in Africa.
This year’s theme addresses key critical global issues which impact food and nutrition security and the food supply chain. The theme also reflects current global dialogues and national commitments to food systems transformation for a better world. In recognition of the importance of, and to motivate government actors, policymakers, programme implementers and international development partners, we have chosen a policy-practice-facing theme with sub-themes that speak directly to national needs, commitments and targets for their food systems by 2030.
ANEC IX brings together students, academics, trainers and practitioners, as well as government and non-government actors, multilateral and bilateral organizations. The conference provides a forum for exchange of new knowledge and innovative approaches for the management of national priorities. Such discussions are complemented by country specific public engagement activities. The conference partners with media and modern communication technologies, assisted by supporting social marketing and advocacy efforts.
Conference Theme
"FOOD AND NUTRITION IN A CHANGING WORLD: Implications for nutrition security and health"
Sub-Themes
Tracking Food Systems Transformation
Food systems transformation is a major area of global health and nutrition security interest. African governments pledged/made commitments to transform their food systems by 2030. Commitments at Regional (Africa Union) levels and their country pathways and their tracking to ascertain progress. Under this theme, we seek to highlight issues such as the importance of tracking food system response to global crises. This would include local initiatives and innovations to mitigate the impact of local crises through strengthening resilience. This could ensure multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainability, of the system.
The Food Environment
Explores the food environment space specifically and directly. We will welcome expert presentations and dialogue around research, policy and advocacy within the food environment space. Food safety, prevention and control services and infra-structure.
Food in the Circular Economy
The circular economy and waste reduction/management, dietary shifts and alternative food sources, gender dynamics and equity in food systems will be explored.
Climate Change, Nutrition and Food Security
This theme will cover relevant topics and recent trends on climate and health, biodiversity, conservation and ecosystem health central to the “One health” agenda that brings together human and animal health and the environment. Resilience in agriculture and agri-business and implications for research, training and practice will also feature.
Traditional Knowledge and Africa’s Food Resources
This theme will explore the rich culture and diversity of foods across Africa, preserving indigenous knowledge and practices and the increasing the demand for indigenous foods of high nutritional value. Meeting the challenge of integrating traditional foods into urban supply chains and intra-Africa trade will be discussed. The role of the food processing industry in developing novel food products from traditional foods to suit the preferences of the modern consumer, will be explored.
Nutrition in Health and Disease
Nutrition throughout the lifecycle including pre-pregnancy, maternal, infant and young child nutrition; nutrition in the clinical management of disease. Other aspects include early childhood vulnerabilities, nutritional support and management of malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies, prevention and control with a focus on the management of anemia in all age groups. Nutrition in the context (prevention and management) of communicable diseases.
Nutrition Related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)
This includes epidemiology and trends in the prevention and management of nutrition related NCDs chronic diseases in Africa, such as cardio-vascular disease, overweight and obesity and other associated co-morbidities, evidence of interventions for behavioral change, influence of media and food processing industries.
School Health and Nutrition
This theme will explore a range of topics including the use of appropriate and standardized measuring tools for the assessment of nutrition and health status. Topics include the school food environment and contribution of school meals to dietary quality and adequacy at various school age levels. Mapping coverage and quality of school meals services, school meals policy, sustainability of financial resources critical to the continuity of school meals programmes will also be covered.
Nutrition and Cancer in Africa
Epidemiology and current trends in nutrition and cancer in Africa. Education, interventions and research in this area will be explored.
Nutrition and Dietetic Professionals’ Training and Practice in Africa
Education, training, certification, accreditation and professional practice in fields of nutrition and dietetics across Africa. Pedagogical issues and curriculum harmonization across Africa regions will be explored, including the development of national accreditation boards. Presentations on current global trends and shifts in education and training emphasis and scope. Country experiences including problems arising, related to licensure and practice of the profession of nutrition and dietetics.
