Qatar University (QU), represented by QU Health, organized the first Annual Pediatric Nutrition Conference in cooperation with the World Health Organization, under the theme: ‘Advances in Pediatric Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle.’ The conference aims to address prevalent health issues in Qatar and other Arabic countries. Preventing pediatric diseases related to diet and lifestyle behaviors rather than treating these diseases will be a very helpful and significant approach in preparing a community with healthy adults.
The conference was attended by prominent doctors, researchers and academics from around the world who contributed to the scientific and educational sessions and lectures focusing on child nutrition research and modern methods.
The appropriate nutrition in the first years of a childhood provides the essential building blocks for optimal immunity, nerve development as well as healthy growth. Around 40% of children are overweight or obese, and research shows that they are likely to stay that way or get worse. The consequences of being infected with Covid-19, weight gain, changes in nutrition and lifestyle habits, the presence of metabolic disorders and hospitalization are affecting the children health and may be for long life. The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar targets are to halt the rate of overweight and obesity amongst children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years old by 2022; to reach a 5% reduction in the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 4-5 years by 2022; and to increase exclusive breast feeding in infants aged 0-5 months to 15% by 2022.
In his speech on the occasion QU President, Dr. Hassan Al-Derham said, “Using its resources, Qatar University seeks to engage positively and proactively with the community based on its needs. I must note today that QU Health has contributed greatly to the efforts made in alignment with the University’s strategic objectives and has worked to transform health education in the country.”
He adds, “This conference is vital to inform us of the importance of proper nutrition in childhood to prevent diseases related to nutrition and food such as obesity, diabetes type II and cardiovascular diseases. The health and achievement of the nation and of society starts from the health of the individual.”
Dean of College of Health Sciences, Dr. Hanan Abdul Rahim emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to complex problems, such as that of pediatric nutrition, and commended the conference organizers for putting together an agenda that spans the spectrum of prevention to nutrition in tertiary care. She noted that the conference included participation from all sectors to ensure that academic discussions and research findings are connected to care.
The main goal of this conference is to discuss the most updated researches and very latest findings on the association between pediatric nutrition and lifestyle transition and health consequences. Many researchers will be able to present preliminary findings or works, which have not been published previously at any conference.
Knowing how to prevent and treat nutritional and health problems among pediatrics will alleviate the burden and suffering of the family, community and governments. This conference is targeting dietitians, nutritionists, nutrition students and other healthcare professionals who are involved with the nutritional care of children.
Source: Qatar University