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54. There is also the need for training nutritionists at the undergraduate level, for including nutrition components in the training of agricultural, medical and public health students, and for providing short courses to agricultural, economic and health planners. FAO's manuals for nutrition in agricultural courses have been utilized by many countries, while more recently a training package for agricultural and economic planners to promote the introduction of nutrition considerations in their planning activities has been developed and tested in the Philippines and Indonesia.
55. Where nutritional deficiencies are area specific, a community approach in controlling and preventing these deficiencies may best be undertaken. In such cases, specific training programmes will be necessary for community-level workers, both agricultural and health, to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to implement specific community actions to safeguard and improve nutrition.
56. A comprehensive country needs assessment and а precise determination of the extent and nature of skill-training that is still required should be prepared by each country. To maximise the benefits of such training the existence of employment opportunities and career structures that provide true incentives is necessary. A strong commitment by governments of the Region to place nutrition well-being as a priority goal of development, for which the agricultural sector plays such a crucial part, and a recognition of the contribution that nutritionists can make to the social and economic development of their countries are urgently required.
5.5.3 Research and Institutional Support
57. In many countries of the Region food and nutrition research institutions have been established and are strengthened with the active involvement and participation of FAO. The provision of equipment for laboratories, training of their staff at all levels, and advising on the programme of work are features of FAO's assistance to countries.
58. Fortification of suitable food items with vitamin A, iron and iodine are now recognized technologies for the control and prevention of these deficiencies. The selection of a suitable dietary ingredient in itself is an important issue which needs careful study aimed at quality control, storage, and acceptability. Social aspects of fortification and economic affordability are other important aspects which need to be studied before embarking upon such programmes.
5.5.4 Targeting and Monitoring
59. Countries now need to establish specific targets to be reached in combatting specific nutritional deficiencies, and а time-frame for achieving these targets. A prerequisite for this exercise is an assessment of the extent of the problem and delineation of the country-specific actions to be undertaken.
60. The use of nutrition indicators for measuring the impact of actions will facilitate setting of targets. Countries should plan for achieving a quantifiable reduction in the number suffering from specific nutritional deficiencies.
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