Since their first meeting in Morocco in 2007, members of the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (PLAN) have endeavoured to offer evidence-based nutritional policies, dietary recommendations, and comprehensive training courses to aspiring nutritionists in the African region. By making available avenues for students and young professionals to build their capacities, PLAN aims to gradually but assuredly transform the state of nutrition in the African continent.
In support of that objective, the AFRA Regional Designated Centre in Morocco organizes a biannual seminar, Le Programme de Leadership Africain en Nutrition (PLAN), to develop the leadership capabilities of African students and professionals working in the field of human nutrition. The seminars emphasize the qualities and skills of leaders-including team-building, communication and decision-making-and seek to inculcate those qualities in participants through interactive workshops and lectures.
The programme is largely designed and intended for individuals with experience in the fields of nutrition, with a preference for applicants with an advanced degree or a post-doctoral fellowship.
This year's seminar, the 5th African Nutrition Leadership Programme (PLAN 2015), was organized by the AFRA Regional Designated Centre in Morocco in cooperation with the United Nations University and the International Union of Nutritional Sciences. The event was supported by the IAEA, the AFRA Regional Designated Centre in Morocco and the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA).
Held from 6 to 13 June at the Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Morocco, this year's seminar enjoyed the participation of over 30 African participants from 18 French speaking Member States, as well as one from Haiti, all eager to build on their existing skills and capacities. During the week-long event, the participants heard presentations by experts and delegates from across the continent, which addressed a variety of thematic subjects, from legal and legislative opportunities to the newest nutritional interventions.
On the final day of the seminar, Najat Mokhtar, Director of the Asia and the Pacific Division in the IAEA's Department of Technical Cooperation, delivered an address on the effectiveness and importance of nutrition advocacy in translating science into policy and convincing policy makers to initiate necessary changes for better nutrition and health. Ms Mokhtar underscored the growing importance and effectiveness of PLAN seminars. "Since 2007, I have participated in all the African Nutrition Leadership Programme seminars", she said. "At the end of each programme, I am always amazed by the changes in the way of thinking of the participants. The seminar really empowers these young professionals-they are ready and eager to advocate for change for better nutrition and better lives for those in need; women and children."
All participants left the event with a suite of new skills and additional encouragement to address the health challenges in their respective home countries.
