Dakar, Senegal- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has successfully launched a new Master’s Programme in Nutrition and Nuclear Techniques at the 5th Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS) Conference held in Dakar, Senegal. The programme aims to equip students with the skills to develop effective nutrition strategies and programs, as well as master stable isotope and nuclear techniques in nutrition.

Developed by African health and nutrition professionals from 22 countries, with the support of an IAEA regional technical cooperation project, the curriculum covers various aspects of nutrition, including the assessment of nutritional status using isotope technology, young child feeding practices, nutrient bioavailability, body composition, and total energy expenditure.

Four universities – the University of Ghana, the International University of Rabat in Morocco, Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Senegal, and North-West University in South Africa – officially host the program. Morocco has already adopted it, and the first cohort of students from francophone Africa has begun their studies.

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Moreover, The launch of this programme is a significant step towards addressing the shortage of trained nutrition professionals in Africa and reversing the negative trends of disease and malnutrition on the continent. By providing specialized education and innovative tools to assess nutrition outcomes, the programme aligns with the African Union’s commitment to capacity building and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.