Background and Objectives
Children have unique nutritional requirements during different stages of growth. This is a necessary requirement to ensure effective growth within the first 1000 days of life. Recognising the importance of this programme in support the physical and cognitive development of children, Afro-Brit designed the Course on Paediatric Nutrition as an entry solution to some of the challenges affecting children with the first 1000 days of life and the next 7,000 days. This programme focuses on nutrition from infancy to adolescence, addressing issues such as malnutrition, metabolic disorders, and paediatric obesity. Specifically, the programme is designed to:
- Train professionals to evaluate and plan child-appropriate dietary and nutrition programmes.
- Provide skills to handle nutrition-related disorders in children.
- Promote awareness on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and food safety.
Programme Structure
The Diploma programme in Paediatric Nutrition is comprise a diversity of modules including Child Growth and Nutritional Assessment, Early and Infant Nutrition, School-age and Adolescent Nutrition, Macro & Micronutrient Needs, Preterm & Low Birth Weight Nutrition, Paediatric Metabolic & Chronic Disease Nutrition, Paediatric Obesity and Oral Health, Nutrition Support in Malnutrition, Food Safety and Labelling for Children and Case Studies and Fieldwork
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Recognize developmental nutrition milestones.
- Plan diets for healthy and ill children.
- Address growth issues, allergies, and chronic illnesses nutritionally.
- Implement nutrition education in community and clinical settings.
Eligibility
As an entry level into this programme, applicants will need to hold CGCE Advanced Level in the Sciences, graduates with science background or healthcare professionals as well as others with significant experience in paediatric or maternal healthcare.
Duration and Cost
This Diploma programme in Paediatric Nutrition is designed for six (06) months and will cost 250,000FCFA. In addition, students will pay 15,000FCFA for registration.
Career Prospects
This is a programme that will equip individuals to become Paediatric Dietitians, School Health Nutritionists, Maternal & Child Health Officers, NGO Program Officers and Paediatric Wellness Consultants