Diploma in Nutrition and Surveillance
Course Overview
Food and nutrition policies and programs that improve the health and nutritional status of the population require a strong evidence base and capacity to measure outcomes. To fulfill these requirements there is a strong need for a sustained security food and nutrition surveillance system. The objectives of nutrition surveillance are: to describe the population’s nutritional status, with particular reference to at risk subgroups; to explain causal relationships to permit selection of preventive measures; to promote government decisions that will meet the needs of both normal national development and emergencies; to consolidate the most important indicators relevant to food and nutrition and health priorities; to predict the evolution of nutritional problems based on an assessment of current trends; and to monitor nutrition programs and evaluate their effectiveness.
The program provides students with competencies.
Course Modules
Module 1; Introduction to Human Nutrition Surveillance
- Define key terms in nutrition surveillance
- Importance of nutrition surveillance
- Principles of nutrition surveillance
- characteristics of surveillance
Module 2; Nutrition and Food Security
- Introduction and Definition of Terms
- Vulnerability to Food and Nutritional Insecurity
- Dimensions of Food Security
- Factors Associated with Food and Nutrition Security
- Food Security Monitoring Systems
- Outcomes of Food and Nutrition Insecurity and Coping Strategies
- Agricultural Approaches for Creating Food Security
- Intervention during Chronic Food Insecurity
- Food Policies and Food Balance Sheets
Module 3; Nutrition and Surveillance in Emegergencies
- Introduction to Nutrition in Emergencies
- Common Nutrition Related Problems in Emergencies
- Causes of Malnutrition in Emergencies
- Vulnerability and Targeting in Emergency
- Methods of Nutrition Assessment in Emergency
- Nutrition Information Systems in Emergencies
- Food Aid
- Community Based Therapeutic Care
- Livelihood Support in Emergencies
- Monitoring and Evaluation in Nutrition in Emergencies
- Humanitarian Assistance and Standards
Module 4; Nutrition & Health Issues in Emergency Situations
- Introduction
- Definitions of Concepts
- Agencies Involved in Emergency Response
- Types of Emergencies
- Nutrition & Health Issues in Emergency Situations
- Assessment of Nutrition Status
- Assessment of Health Status in Emergencies
- Assessment of Food Security in Emergencies
- Human Rights Based Approaches
- Nutrition Interventions in Emergencies
- Health Interventions in Emergencies
- Food Security and Livelihoods Interventions
There are four assignments (continuous assessment tests), a research paper and one examination to be offered at the end of the course. Assignments account for 40%, research paper accounts for 30% while Examination accounts for 30% of the mark. Upon completion of the course, you shall be issued a Diploma Certificate and a course transcript.
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will receive a Diploma Certificate of Merit and a transcript.
Duration: 6 Months
Fee: $700
