Addis Ababa, 4th October 2018 – The 8th Biennial Africa Nutrition Conference (ANEC 8) of the African Nutrition Society was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 1st – 5th October 2018 at the Capital Hotel & Spa. Discussions and debates treated the theme: Multi-stakeholder nutrition actions in Africa – Translating evidence into policies, and programmes for impacts.
The participants of the conference declare:
- We note that the reported scientific evidence and experience shared has contributed significantly to knowledge of the various subjects discussed and recognised home-grown solutions.
- We have witnessed the progression of nutrition professionalism in Africa.
- We recognise the importance of re-visiting evidence-based micronutrient fortification policies and strategies through assessment of real needs.
- We recognise that a food composition database reflecting Africa’s rich biodiversity and food resources, and food composition data are equally important for formulating national food-based dietary guidelines and food safety strategies.
- The great progress of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) through mobilising partnership with all stakeholders in support of government commitments to achieve nutrition goals, is recognised.
- The importance of micronutrients to the development and efficiency of the immune system is primordial in Africa where infections are a high hazard for malnourished children.
- We note the impact of environmental risk factors (toxins and contaminants) on growth and development of children, influencing achievement of the nutrition objectives.
- Cultural considerations in nutrition education and communication is of special relevance to the African context.
- The alarming increase in obesity rates across all ages in Africa is a growing concern, particularly with its relation to cancer and non-communicable diseases.
- Production of nutrition improvement products can serve as opportunities for job-creation for rural women and the youth.
- We note the importance given to investing in nutrition in partnership with the private sector to accelerate progress towards advancing the nutrition agenda in Africa.
- The research community is called upon to take heed of the consequences of ‘research waste’ to optimise the use of available limited research resources.
- The nutrition community is also called raise awareness on the importance of addressing conflict of interest situations.
- Develop sustainable ethical leadership based on transparency and accountability.
- We recommend strengthening of the active interface between the industry and the research community.
We therefore resolve, on this the 4th Day of October 2018, to promote and work together across sectors with a common voice to inform and provide guidance for governments to invest in nutrition and sustainable agriculture and food systems.