Educating and training a workforce for nutrition in a post-2015 world.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Global Health Workforce Development

Background:

• Malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition and obesity, affects nearly all countries globally.
• Existing efforts to combat malnutrition are significantly limited by a shortage of nutrition professionals in terms of numbers, skills, and geographic reach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify strategies for developing a global nutrition workforce capable of addressing malnutrition challenges in the post-2015 development era.
• To outline essential skills and support mechanisms required for effective nutrition professionals.

Main Methods:

• Convening of a diverse expert workshop in Castel Gandolfo in March 2014.
• Discussion and identification of key requirements and opportunities for nutrition workforce capacity development.

Main Results:

• Essential workforce requirements include multisectoral teamwork, communication, advocacy, leadership skills, and advanced technical expertise.
• Key opportunities identified include a North-South university consortium, online training for managers, and practical frontline worker experiences.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening the nutrition workforce requires a combination of enhanced education, practical training, and robust institutional support.
• Implementing these recommendations is crucial for effective nutrition interventions and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.