Symposiums/ Workshops/ Seminars

Organizer: Nutrition Society UK
Topic: Writing up your research for scientific publication
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: The purpose of this workshop is to equip early career nutritionists with knowledge of preparing and producing articles for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals. The workshop aims to cover the most important aspects of scientific writing for publication.

Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the components of a scientific paper
• Understand different types of publications
• Think about how to overcome barriers of effective writing and start writing a paper
• Understand the basic skeleton of a scientific paper and discuss its formation in relation to their own research
• Understand online submission and peer-review process
• Deal professionally with feedback
• Manage publication ethics and conduct

Who is the Workshop For?
This workshop will be useful to any Masters/PhD nutrition students and early career researchers who will be submitting scientific papers to journals and publishing in the future. After attending the workshop, delegates can expect to have a better understanding of all areas of scientific writing for publication which can then be applied when submitting to scientific journals.

Who is Delivering the Workshop?
This workshop is sponsored by the Nutrition Society. It is developed and delivered by Professor Basma Ellahi, from the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society at the University of Chester. Basma has run this workshop over a number of years, at both FANUS and ANEC conferences and it is always popular. Time: 9-11am (2 hours).

Organiser: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Topic: FAO’s work on School Food and Nutrition Through a Sustainable Food System approach
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis:The Symposium aims at showcasing FAO’s work on food system-based approaches to improve nutrition with the view to raise awareness on what is feasible in this domain and open a dialogue to explore potential partnerships and synergetic collaborations with participating institutions.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators
- Mphumuzi Sukati
Senior Nutrition and Food System Officer
FAO Regional Office for Africa (FAO RAF)

-  Boitshepo (Bibi) Giyose
Senior Nutrition and Food SystemOfficer.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

- Militezegga Abduk Mustafa.
Nutrition and Food System specialist
FAO Regional Office for Africa

Time: 9h00 -10h00 
Duration: 1 hour. 

Conference day 1 - Monday 7^th October 2024

A Key Sponsored Lunch hour Symposium

Organizer: Jointly hosted by the University of Ghana and University of Sheffield NutriShed Research team.
Topic: NutriShed in the city: Enabling nutrient-rich foods in urban markets
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: Markets play a key role in food access, especially in cities. There is increasing recognition of role of markets in driving the types and affordability of foods consumed by city dwellers. However, little is known about how food transits through cities. More importantly, city markets influence supply of key nutrients needed for optimal health and nutrition. There is also limited evidence on practical strategies that can be employed by city manager to ensure easier access to healthier food options in cities, especially in the global south. This symposium, NutriShed in the city: Enabling nutrient-rich foods in urban markets, aims to stimulate evidence-informed conversation about the relevance of markets in promoting nutritious diets in cities. The symposium brings together research and researchers based in Sub-Saharan Africa. There will be three presentations from Ghana and Nigeria, outlining the work of three projects. The paper by the NutriShed Project will present evidence on the flow of nutrient-rich foods through 2 selected Ghanaian Cities. Two other studies from Nigeria presents evidence on fruit, fish and vegetable markets and their consumption by urban dwellers.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

1. Professor Richmond Aryeetey, University of Ghana
2. Professor Bhavani Shankar, The University of Sheffield
3. Dr. Gregory Cooper, The University of Sheffield
4. Professor Folake Samuel, University of Ibadan
5. Professor Sewada Liverpool-Tasie, Michigan State University
6. Professor Robert Akparibo, The University of Sheffield

Time/duration: 13h00 - 14h00 (1hr)

A Key Lunchtime Sponsored Symposium

Organiser: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Topic: Improving Nutrition through sustainable Food System Transformation: FAO’s Work in the African Region
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: The Symposium aims at showcasing FAO’s work on food system-based approaches to improve nutrition with the view to raise awareness on what is feasible in this domain and open a dialogue to explore potential partnerships and synergetic collaborations with participating institutions.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

-  Mphumuzi Sukati
Senior Nutrition and Food System Officer
FAO Regional Office for Africa (FAO RAF)

-  Boitshepo (Bibi) Giyose
Senior Nutrition and Food System Officer
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

-  Militezegga Abduk Mustafa
Nutrition and Food System Specialist
FAO Regional Office for Africa

Time/duration: 13h00 - 14h00 (1hr) 

Special Event (Parallel Session Symposium)

Organizer: The Agriculture, Nutrition & Health Academy
Topic: Enrichment Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme on Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: The purpose/goal of our side event is to showcase the ANH Academy's Curriculum Enrichment Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme and its impact on fostering interdisciplinary teaching approaches in agriculture, nutrition, and health-related topics. The event aims to facilitate a dialogue and teaching among university educators, policymakers, and development practitioners on the importance of integrating these approaches to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We want to hold the side event during the main conference, as it provides an opportunity to engage with a wider audience of key stakeholders attending the event.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

1. Dr Chau Yo
2. Dr Rosemary Isoto
3. Dr Michael Hill
4. Dr Aaron Christian
5. Dr Phyllis Addo

14h00 - 16h45 (45 mins break)
Duration: 2 hours

Conference day 2- Tuesday 8^th October 2024

A Key Sponsored Lunchtime Symposium

Organizer: The Eleanor Crook Foundation
Topic: Healthier Pregnancies and Brighter Futures for Mothers and Babies: Unlocking the potential of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements in pregnancy
Summary/abstract/synopsis: ECF’s symposium aims to provide attendees with critical insights into Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), highlighting it as one of the most impactful maternal nutrition interventions available today. By engaging participants with diverse regional and global expertise, we seek to foster knowledge sharing among countries while offering a platform for donors, practitioners, and program implementers to discuss recent developments. This approach will not only enhance understanding but also create valuable networking opportunities, paving the way for potential collaborations and future initiatives. This discussion is especially important in light of the widespread micronutrient deficiencies affecting two-thirds of women globally, particularly among those of reproductive age. Pregnant women in LMICs are especially vulnerable, as nutrient-poor diets and increased nutritional requirements heighten the risk of poor outcomes for both mother and baby, including maternal and perinatal death, premature birth, and low birth weight. While many LMICs have incorporated Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplements into their nutrition programs, IFA alone is insufficient to address other critical micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A and zinc, which are essential for fetal growth and development. As global demand and readiness for MMS scaling reach unprecedented levels, numerous governments are taking steps to introduce and expand MMS programs effectively. National stakeholders are actively assessing Ghana's readiness to scale MMS and plans to support its widespread implementation in the coming years. Through this symposium, we aim to advocate for MMS in Ghana, sharing experiences from other countries to promote its broader adoption and impact. By the end of the session, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of MMS, its significance, and its superiority over IFA supplements, along with practical insights into enhancing the efficacy of MMS interventions. The session will also cover the WHO MMS recommendations, share experiences of ongoing MMS implementation, and raise awareness of resources available to guide country-level MMS discussions and programming.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

Duration: 1 hr:30 mins
Time: 13h35 - 15h05

A Key Sponsored Lunch-hour Symposium

Organizer: The Global School Meals Coalitions’ Research Consortium of School Health and Nutrition
Topic: Advancing the nutrition of school age children and adolescents: The role of the Global Research Consortium Communities of Practice.
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: The symposium will discuss the role of the Global Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition in advancing the nutrition of school age children and adolescents. Participants will be updated on recent initiatives of the Consortium and other global actors such as the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund to address implementation challenges of school nutrition programmes including the delivery of school meals programmes. The event will emphasize the importance of promoting nutrition beyond the first 8000 days; as well as share countries case studies of good examples of evidence-based practices for school meals provisions. Furthermore, the symposium platform will be used to demonstrate value for money for investing in school meals programmes, especially in low resource settings.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

1. Professor Donald Bundy – Director of the Global Research Consortium of School Health and Nutrition (RCSHN), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
2. Professor Stephane Verguet – Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health and Co-Chair of the Analytic and Metrics Community of Practice of the RCSHN
3. Professor Robert Akparibo – Sheffield Centre of Health and Related Research, School of Medicine and Population Health and Co-Chair of the Nutrition Community of Practice of the RCSHN
4. Professor Sylvie Avallone - Department of Sciences for Agro-Bio-Processes, L’instut Agro Montpellier and Co-Chair of the Good Example Community of practice of the RCSHN
5. Dr. Natasha Lelijveld – Senior Nutritionist, Emergency nutrition network and Coordinator of the Global Adolescents Nutrition network
6. Bimbola Adesamna - Partners for Child Development and Co-chair of the Nutrition Community of Practice
7. Ms Barbara Bray – International Relations Coordinator, The Nutrition Society.

Duration: 1-2 hrs
Time: 13h35 - 15h05 

Special Event (Parallel Session Symposium)

Organizer: Send Ghana, Vald and GAND
Topic: The road to ensuring a healthy food environment for Ghana: Advocating for Mandatory Front-of-package warning Food Labelling
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: Ghana as a Low Middle-Income Country (LMIC) grapples with the double burden of malnutrition and its health implications considering the rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Communicable Diseases. The situation in part is attributed to the unhealthy food environment and food habits characterized by the excessive consumption of sugars, fats, and sodium ― which are referred to as the “critical nutrients” of public health concern. The limited fiscal policies and the political will to enforce regulations that would sanitize our food environment further dents Ghana’s efforts to address malnutrition in all its forms. As ultra-processed foods gain popularity in our markets and our tables, pushing for policies that promote healthy eating is of relevance.

A mandatory Front of Pack Labelling advocacy initiative called ‘Advocacy for Mandatory Front-of-package warning Food Labeling and Healthy Food Environment’ being rolled out in Ghana by a three-member consortium SEND Ghana, Vision for Alternative Development and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). The objective of the advocacy is to seek for implementation of mandatory front-of-pack warning labelling guided by an evidence-based Nutrition Profile Model so that consumers can easily identify nutrients of concern by September 2025. The advocacy initiative also seeks to undertake a comprehensive landscape/situational analysis, including legal and stakeholder mapping, to understand the political opportunities and identify the advocacy strategy and policy pathway required to improve the school food environment in Ghana.

Objectives:
The objectives of the events are to:

• Increase awareness among participants on the essence of improving the food environment through the implementation of the mandatory Front-of-package warning food labelling and healthy food environment
• Harness inputs from experts on influencing a healthy food environment in Ghana through front of pack of food warning labelling

Outputs:

• Participants are aware of the importance of improving the food environment
• Inputs are harnessed from experts on ways of influencing food environment through front of pack of food warning labelling

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

14h35 - 17h00 (25mins break)
Duration: 2 hours

Conference day 3 - Wednesday 9^th October 2024

A Key Sponsored Lunch Hour Symposium

Organizer: The Periodic Table of Food Initiative centre of excellence, KNUST, Kumasi
Topic: Unlocking food composition data for human and planetary health: The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI)
Summary/abstract/synopsis: The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) is a global effort to create a public database of the biochemical composition and function of food using advanced spectroscopic techniques, and bioinformatics. This initiative includes building a global ecosystem and providing data tools to catalogue the biomolecular composition of the world’s food supply to help provide data driven solutions to improve human and planetary health.  The PTFI initiative will provide tools, data, and training to empower a global ecosystem to know its food and diets better in order to develop food system solutions.

The proposed symposium aims to:

• Introduce the Periodic Table of Food Initiative to the African Nutrition and epidemiology community.
• Highlight the importance of comprehensive food composition data in advancing nutrition science.
• Foster collaboration among African researchers, policymakers, and global partners.
• Discuss the potential applications of the PTFI in addressing food system challenges in Africa.

The PTFI initiative hopes to create a world where all food and health system stakeholders are empowered to develop data-driven solutions for enhanced human and planetary health.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

1. Dr. Gina Kennedy, Director of Research, Translation and Impact, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, USA
2. Prof Reginald Annan, Director, KNUST PTFI Center of Excellence, Ghana
3. Dr. Herman Lutterodt, Deputy Director, KNUST PTFI Center of Excellence, Ghana
4. Dr. Endale Amare, Director, EPHI PTFI Center of Excellence, Ethiopia
5. Dr. Charles Apprey, Lead for Translational Research and Capacity Development, KNUST PTFI Center of Excellence
6. Ms Linda Nana Esi Aduku, Center Manager and Implementation Strategist, KNUST PTFI Center of Excellence, Ghana
7. Dr. Lyndon Sackey, Environmental Scientist and Consultant, KNUST PTFI Center of Excellence, Ghana
8. Dr. Alex Kwarteng, Immunologist and Consultant, KNUST PTFI Center of Excellence, Ghana

Time: 13h50 - 14h50
Duration: 1hr

A Lunch-hour Symposium

Organizer: The AOAC (formerly Association of Analytical Chemists)
Topic: Reflections on Micronutrient Analysis and Compliance: Insights for the Nutrition Science Community in Africa
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: We know foods are biological materials and therefore natural variation in the nutrient composition can be expected.  What we often do not realise is that natural variation is, probably, the least of our problems. The natural variability is increased by factors such as species and cultivar types, soil composition, climate, agriculture practices, processing procedures, different methods of storage and transporting conditions. The accurate analysis of micronutrients; their inclusion in national food composition databases, and the subsequent compliance with recommended intake levels are critical components in the advancement of public health and nutrition science, and present challenges with ensuring population-level compliance with nutritional guidelines. A further complication is that the laboratories may be using different methodologies.  These methods, and laboratories, may be accredited, demonstrated to be highly repeatable and reproducible [hence the accreditation] but give statistically different results.  The results may not be practically significant, from a nutritional perspective, but could be legally significant from a nutritional labelling perspective. The reality in food composition analysis is that methods are used based on availability not applicability, so validity is questionable, very high dependence on technology to replace staff skills and understanding. Hence, we need quality laboratory data using appropriate methodology and samples with known sources that are verifiable to address anti-nutritional factors

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators: Dr Lawerence Cheetham MINGLE

Duration: 45 minutes
Time: 13h50 - 14h35

Conference day 4- Thursday 10^th October 2024

A Key Sponsored Lunch Hour Symposium

Organizer: The University of California, Davis, Institute for Global Nutrition (IGN)
Topic: Multiple micronutrient-fortification of bouillon: new evidence on efficacy and cost-effectiveness, and policy implications
Summary/abstract/synopsis: Micronutrient deficiencies are severe and widespread in Africa, particularly among young children and women of reproductive age (WRA), despite mandatory fortification of other foods such as wheat flour and edible oil. Bouillon is a promising fortification vehicle because it is centrally processed on a large scale and consumed by a large majority of households in parts of West Africa. However, there is limited experience with bouillon fortification with multiple micronutrients. Recent investments by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have expanded the evidence base available on bouillon multi-fortification, and discussions regarding bouillon fortification policy are ongoing in several countries in West Africa.

The objectives of this symposium are to present new evidence on:

• efficacy and acceptability of multiple micronutrient-fortified bouillon from a recently completed trial in Ghana, and
• predicted impacts, costs, and cost-effectiveness of multi-fortified bouillon from studies in Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

In addition, the symposium will review technical and commercial considerations for bouillon multi-fortification and provide an update on status of policy discussions and future directions for bouillon fortified with multiple micronutrients.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators:

1. Dr. Reina Engle-Stone, University of California, Davis
2. Prof. Seth Adu-Afarwuah, University of Ghana, Legon
3. Dr. Katherine Adams, University of California, Davis
4. Dr. Augustine Okoruwa, Helen Keller International, Nigeria
5. Dr. Jonathan Gorstein, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Time: 12h40 - 13h40
Duration: 1hr

Special Event

Organiser: Children Believe
Topic: Championing Nutrition and Gender Equality (CHANGE) in Ghana and Ethiopia
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: This symposium seeks to share critical preliminary findings from the Championing Nutrition and Gender Equality (CHANGE) Project implemented in Ghana and Ethiopia in partnership with the Government of Canada in the area of maternal health/nutrition (with special focus on anaemia) and malnutrition among children under five years. The CHANGE Project is implemented by Children Believe in nine (9) districts in Northern Ghana and three (3) Woredas (provinces) in North Wollo Zone Ethiopia using a gender transformative approach. During this symposium, we aim to share our comparative findings of the similarities, differences and unique characteristics of marginalized and vulnerable women, adolescents and children under five in both countries from an integrated Nutrition and Gender equity perspective. Based on the findings of the baseline CHANGE is using an integrated approach known as “Integrated Nutrition,” aligned to the One Health Principle in both Ghana and Ethiopia. The innovative aspects of the CHANGE project is the establishment of Integrated Nutrition Teams (INTs) at the community and district levels.which is aligned to the 1Care Groups Model. With our findings, we foretell that the CHANGE project is a promising model for scaling up gender-based integrated nutrition sensitive programming in resource poor and/or rural African settlements.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators

1. Ethel Sakitey- Chief of Party for the CHANGE Project, Children Believe
2. Zacchi Nolan Sabogu- the Regional MELKS Manager for the CHANGE Project, Children Believe

Moderator: Lutuf Abdul-Rahman, Saha Consult & Services

Time: 13h10 - 14h10
Duration: 1hr

Post-conference Seminar

Conference day 5- Friday 11^th October 2024

Organizer: NS of Britain/ANS Sponsored Training Workshop
Topic: Statistical Guide to Nutrition Research (A Hands-on nutritional data)
Summary/Abstract/Synopsis: Data analysis primary goal is to make meaning of the data collect in line with the objectives of the study. For effective analysis important parameters need to be assessed so the results from the analysis will not become spurious or lack rigor. The analysis must be driven by clearly stated objective, appropriate designs and the best statistical analysis employed. The sampling methodology used must ensure lack of bias. The generalizability of finding depends on how the participants were randomized in their selection or allocations to the various groups for comparison. We needed to also know whether the study was controlled or not. What relevant data was collected and what are the specific characteristics of those relevant variables. This is some of the background information required to achieve effective nutritional data analysis. More will be discussed during the workshop. It will be a hands-on workshop between 2 - 3 hours.

Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators: Rev Dr. Tom Akuetteh Ndanu

Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Time: 09h00 - 11h30

Organizer: Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN)
Topic: workshop on writing for Field Exchange (FEX)

Summary/Abstract/Synopsis:
Aim: Introduce participants to the possibility of publishing their work in Field Exchange, ENN’s flagship online and print publication on nutrition in emergencies and contexts with a high burden of malnutrition.
Why: Publishing in FEX is a wonderful opportunity to share the work being done by African researchers with a broader network

Content:

A presentation:

• Who is ENN and what do we do
• What is the Field Exchange publication, the type of content it features and its reach.
• Why write for Field Exchange
• How to write for Field Exchange: our process and what makes a successful article
• Topics of interest and resources available

Q&A

A chance to view prior issues of FEX for inspiration and sign up to receive them

 Speakers/Facilitators/Moderators: Tanya Khara: ENN Technical Director (tanya@ennonline.net)

Duration: 1 hour
Time: 09h00 – 10:00hr