By Kemi Akintokun
A Public Health Expert, Dr Folashade Oludara, has highlighted the need to integrate nutritionists and dietitians into the primary health system to enhance quality of life and diseases prevention.
Oludara who heads the Family Health and Nutrition Directorate of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, said such integration would reduce the rate of malnutrition in various communities and improve health outcomes.
Oludara, was a Guest Speaker, at the maiden edition retreat organised by the Lagos Health Service Commission (LHSC) Dietitians and Nutritionists.
She was represented by Oluwaseyi Ososanya, a Dietician/Child Health Officer in the ministry.
She noted that nutritionists and dietitians were underutilised within the healthcare system hence the need for proper integration of their services.
The theme of the retreat was “Redefining Dietetics and Nutrition Profession in LHSC: Bridging Gaps and Breaking Barriers”.
“Nutrition plays a vital role in promoting health, disease prevention and enhancing the quality of life.
“There is need for proper integration to reduce the rate of malnutrition in many communities and ensure early nutrition intervention to improves health outcomes.
“The integrating of nutritionist and dietician into PHC allows for early identification, early screening of patients, on site consultation and nutritional assessments in clinics,” she said.
She called for more investment in professional development of nutritionists and dietitians through government and private partnership to further enhance the profession.
Also, Dr Olawale Adegbite of the LHSC said there was need to strengthen the presence and influence of dietitians and nutritionists in the healthcare system.
Adegbite, who spoke on “Elevating the Voice of Dietitians and Nutritionists in the Health Service Commission”, noted that good nutrition was the foundation of healthy living and wellness.
He noted that the commission had initiated steps to redefine their professional roles, create structured career progression among others to bridge these gaps and enhance the profession. (NAN)