O13 Are Food-Based Dietary Guidelines an Nutrition Education Tool in Africa?

Abstract

Background Africa has battled malnutrition and infectious diseases for decades. Recent rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has exacerbated nutrition and health challenges. Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are a tool for achieving adequate diets that reduce energy and micronutrient deficiencies while preventing NCDs. Many countries in Africa are not on track to meet nutrition goals related to undernutrition and NCDs. It is not clear what role FBDGs currently play in nutrition education. Objectives To assess the use of FBDGs in nutrition education delivery in Africa. Study Design, Settings, Participants Narrative review of published, English-language FBDGs; and reports of nutrition education/mass media programs/interventions implemented in Africa. Reviewed documents were identified through a search of electronic databases. Eligibility criteria: published from 2004–2018 inclusive, not focused on children 0–23 months old, involved delivery of nutrition messages, included description of messages delivered, and full report accessible. Results Seven out of 54 African countries have formal FBDGs. Four FBDGs emphasized consuming variety of foods, fruits and vegetables, legumes, pulses, nuts as well as whole grains; and limiting intake of sugar, salt, and alcohol. Not all FBDGs were definitive and linked to quantitative nutrient adequacy and/or NCDs prevention recommendations. Few eligible reports about nutrition education for addressing undernutrition were identified, reports were predominantly for NCDs. Education focused on management of existing NCDs rather than preventive public health messaging. FBDGs did not appear to be systematically in use for addressing either undernutrition or NCDs, even in countries with formal FBDGs. Conclusion FBDGs need to be developed/modified in alignment with evidence-based recommendations for contextual nutrition and health challenges. FBDGs should be integrated into public health policy and program delivery. There is a need to ensure that messages are written in easily interpretable and actionable ways. Funding None.