Uganda’s nutrition sector adopts technology with Nutritionist 256 app launch

11 November 2024, 12:43 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Allied Nutritionists Association of Uganda (ANAU) recently launched a digital application designed specifically to support nutrition professionals and students. Named “Nutritionist 256,” the app offers a range of resources, short courses with certification, and advanced data tracking capabilities, enabling users to stay updated with the latest in nutrition science and best practices. The app aims to promote continuous professional development (CPD) and enhance service delivery across the nation, particularly in remote areas.

Jane Nakiyinji, Quality Assurance Officer at the Allied Professional Council of Uganda, highlighted the app’s potential to bridge gaps in service accessibility and knowledge-sharing. “With Nutritionist 256, nutritionists from all over Uganda—from West Nile to Karamoja—can access timely, reliable information and training. This platform is about embracing digital innovation to provide quality healthcare,” Nakiyinji remarked.

The app addresses the challenge of keeping nutrition professionals up to date with rapidly evolving research. For instance, recent reports indicate that nearly 4 in 10 Ugandan children under five suffer from malnutrition-related health issues, making timely knowledge dissemination critical. The app provides tools like BMI calculators and nutrient guidelines, which users can easily access to streamline their work with clients. Additionally, it facilitates CPD, allowing nutritionists to renew their licenses by meeting annual training requirements without leaving their practice locations.

Michael Jjemba, President of ANAU, sees this digital platform as a “game changer” for Uganda’s healthcare system. “Health is built with nutrition. Doctors repair what nutritionists build, but our work has often been sidelined,” Jjemba emphasised. He explained that the app provides valuable references and real-time calculations, transforming the role of nutritionists from merely supporting treatment to actively preventing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

The app’s offline capabilities will further ensure that even professionals in areas with limited network access can benefit. Emmanuel Mayanja, ANAU’s CPD coordinator, shared concerning statistics: “Four in ten (40%) elderly Ugandans face malnutrition, and among children under five, approximately 576,000 are underweight and 2 million are stunted. This tool aims to combat these issues through education and up-to-date practice.”

The Allied Health Professionals Council, the regulatory body overseeing Uganda’s allied health practitioners, has applauded the initiative. In addition to promoting quality nutrition services, the app is expected to reinforce standards by ensuring practitioners meet annual CPD points. This requirement not only keeps practitioners up to date but also affirms their commitment to maintaining high standards in the field.

While the app is set to revolutionise the nutrition profession in Uganda, there are challenges. Jjemba highlighted the need for additional funding to expand training on app usage and to address internet access limitations in some regions. ANAU is advocating for financial support to sustain and grow the platform, ensuring that all nutrition professionals, regardless of location, can use it effectively.