Degree training in nutrition exists

What does the indicator tell us?

This indicator reflects the capacity of a country to train professionals in nutrition. It is based on the presence of national higher education institutions that offer training in nutrition.

How is it defined?

This indicator is defined as the existence of higher education institutions offering training in nutrition in the country. Higher education training institutions include universities and other schools offering graduate and post-graduate degrees in nutrition or dietetics, including public health nutrition, community nutrition, food and nutrition policy, clinical nutrition, nutrition science and epidemiology. The nutrition focus areas may include public health nutrition, community nutrition, clinical nutrition (dietetics), food and nutrition policy, nutrition science and epidemiology, or nutrition education and/or counselling skills. Such higher level training may lead to technical certificates or diplomas (2 years or less), Bachelor's degree, Master's degree or Doctoral degree.

What are the consequences and implications?

Trained nutrition professionals work at health facilities and at the population and community levels; they may influence nutrition policies, as well as the design and implementation of nutrition intervention programmes at various levels. They also play an important role in training other health and non-health cadres to plan and deliver nutrition interventions in various settings. The availability of a sufficient workforce with appropriate training in nutrition within a country will lead to better outcomes for country-specific nutrition and health concerns.

Source of data

WHO. Global nutrition policy review 2016-2017. Country progress in creating enabling policy environments for promoting healthy diets and nutrition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018 (https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/policies/global_nut_policyreview_2016-2017/en/).

Further reading

Hughes R, Shrimpton R, Recine E, Margetts B. A competency framework for global public health nutrition workfore development: a background paper. World Public Health Nutrition Association; 2011 (http://www.wphna.org/htdocs/downloadsapr2012/12–03%20WPHNA%20Draft%20competency%20standards%20report.pdf).

Ellahi B, Annan R, Sarkar S, Amuna P, Jackson AA. Building systemic capacity for nutrition: training towards a professionalised workforce for Africa. Proc Nutr Soc. 2015;74(4):496-504.