The 9th African Nutrition Conference (ANEC 9) kicked off in Cape Coast with a significant pre-conference workshop dedicated to addressing the critical issues of school health and nutrition across Africa. The session, which drew attention to the crucial role of nutrition in shaping the future of African children, was graced by key stakeholders from the continent’s health, education, and nutrition sectors.

In his welcome address, Professor Francis Bruno Zotor, Co-Convener of the workshop, Trustee of the African Nutrition Society (ANS), and Vice President of the International Union of Nutrition Sciences (IUNS), emphasized the importance of the event. He called the gathering a vital opportunity to “exchange knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and build sustainable strategies for promoting health and nutrition in African schools.”

Focus on Health, Education, and Nutrition

The workshop underscored the inseparable link between health, education, and nutrition. Professor Zotor highlighted that the health and nutrition status of school-aged children directly impacts their learning outcomes, cognitive development, and overall well-being. "Our children deserve the best start in life," he remarked, noting that fostering these three pillars is fundamental to the success of the continent’s next generation.

This pre-conference arrives at a crucial time, as Africa continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges of poverty, food insecurity, and an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Professor Zotor emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to overcome these challenges, stating, “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that future generations of Africa grow up healthy, educated, and empowered to lead.”

Progress and Future Goals

The workshop featured extensive discussions on the progress made at local, national, and international levels in school health and nutrition initiatives. Participants reviewed the achievements and shortcomings of existing programs and devised strategies for the next phase of coordinated actions.

The discussions centered on evaluating the current state of school nutrition programs across Africa, identifying successful experiences, and tackling persistent challenges faced in various regions.

A Collaborative Effort

In addition to analyzing current programs, the pre-conference focused on fostering new partnerships and collaborations. Attendees included representatives from international organizations, government officials, nutritionists, public health professionals, and corporate partners. One of the goals of the session was to inspire participants to collectively advance the agenda for improved school health and nutrition. "Together, we can make a lasting impact, creating healthier environments where our children can thrive," Professor Zotor concluded.

Broader Context and Key Deliverables

The ANS has been at the forefront of enhancing the school health and nutrition agenda in Africa since 2018. Collaborating with the International Union of Nutrition Sciences (IUNS), the International Malnutrition Task Force (IMTF), and other global bodies, ANS has initiated programs aimed at improving school nutrition, retention rates, WASH (Water-Sanitation-Hygiene) practices, and supporting menstrual hygiene.

Key deliverables from the pre-conference include informed policy recommendations to enhance school health programs, aligned strategies for effective partner collaboration, and the publication of a comprehensive report summarizing key findings and next steps for scaling up successful programs across the continent.

A Call to Action

The workshop, representing a diverse audience from NGOs, government sectors, and academia, concluded with a call to action for enhanced collaboration between national and international experts. The key takeaway was the pressing need for countries to establish secure, nationally supported school nutrition activities, particularly in regions where such initiatives have struggled to take root.

As ANEC 9 continues, the lessons from the pre-conference workshop will serve as a cornerstone for ongoing discussions, driving forward the agenda for improving the health and nutrition of schoolchildren across Africa. The participants departed with a renewed sense of commitment to create lasting change for future generations.