Strengthening nutrition for diabetics, children and adolescents, and the elderly

Strengthening nutrition for diabetics, children and adolescents, and the elderly
Extract from the article: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has validated the study report on the state of food systems in Togo, as well as nutritional guidelines for diabetics, children and adolescents, and the elderly. This occurred during...

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has validated the study report on the state of food systems in Togo, as well as nutritional guidelines for diabetics, children and adolescents, and the elderly. This occurred during a national workshop held from March 14th to 15th, 2024, in Lomé. The meeting brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors related to food and health.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted food supply chains, leading to temporary shortages of basic food items and price hikes, which have affected households' ability to access adequate nutrition. Additionally, the Russo-Ukrainian crisis has raised concerns about the future availability of food resources globally, especially for countries dependent on food imports. It has become imperative for the country to rethink its food system to make it more resilient to external shocks while ensuring it is environmentally and economically sustainable. It is within this framework that the project "Support for Strengthening Food Systems and Nutrition in Togo (RSAN-TOGO)" was developed and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for a duration of 23 months.

Among the activities to be carried out is a comprehensive study of the state of food systems and the development of nutritional guidelines tailored to each of the following groups: diabetics, school-age children and adolescents, and the elderly. Dr. Djiwa Oyétoundé, FAO Program Officer in Togo, emphasized the importance of this project in the context of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of ending hunger, ensuring food security, and improving nutrition. "We are in the process of validating the situation for Togo, which includes the current status of policies, strategies in place, opportunities, constraints, and especially the pathways to move towards more sustainable, efficient, and resilient food systems. Alongside this work, we have felt the need to focus on three areas of nutrition. Today, diabetes has become a global scourge, and in Togo particularly, it is also related to the problem of nutrition. We have observed that adolescents and children begin to eat poorly from a young age. How do we educate children at school to eat well, the elderly to eat well, and diabetics? This is the time to propose specific nutritional guidelines for these three categories. These reports and nutritional guidelines are essential tools to guide policies and interventions aimed at improving the nutrition and health of populations in Togo," said Dr. Djiwa Oyétoundé in his opening speech.

Promoting healthy and balanced nutrition

An essential aspect of this workshop will also be the presentation and validation of specific nutritional guidelines for three priority targets: diabetics, children and adolescents, and the elderly. The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases is a major concern for health authorities and healthcare professionals in Togo. Diabetes, in particular, has become a major public health issue, with a prevalence rate increasing from 2.6% in 2010 to 6% in 2021.

These guidelines provide practical and tailored recommendations for each group to promote healthy and balanced nutrition, thereby contributing to disease prevention and overall well-being.

One of the study consultants, Amouzou Kousanta, a Full Professor in Nutrition and Food Security, shared insights on the specific challenges faced by the Togolese population regarding nutrition, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions to effectively and sustainably address these challenges. "It is important to constantly revisit our food system to make it more resilient and adaptable to evolving realities, particularly in the face of climate change and global issues. Thus, our work involves identifying possible improvements at the various levels of this food system. We have formulated recommendations to ensure that our food system aligns with our local realities. It is crucial that the food system is based on what we can produce locally and what we can promote for local consumption," said Amouzou Kousanta.

The official adoption of the study report on food systems in Togo and the associated nutritional guidelines will thus mark an important step in efforts to promote healthy, sustainable, and accessible nutrition for all Togolese citizens.

Raymond DZAKPATA

 

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santé éducation
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Raymond DZAKPATA

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has validated the study report on the state of food systems in Togo, as well as nutritional guidelines for diabetics, children and adolescents, and the elderly. This occurred during...

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