Nutrition Summit 2025
Background
Food insecurity and malnutrition continue to be major global challenges, triggered by conflict, climate change, unpredictable weather, economic crises, high levels of inequality, and inadequate access to healthy food. Furthermore, the corporate-led unsustainable agrifood system, featuring synthetic agriculture (chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides), leads to malnutrition that aggravate food loss and waste, including nutritional loss. The quality of food also appears to be deteriorated by a number of pollutants, including heavy metals in the soil and plastic pollution (micro and nano plastic) in the air, water, and soil. The nutritious and safe food for all appears to be global challenge midst of lack of proper and adequate information and knowledge on nutrition and unstainable and inequitable agrifood system undermining the local food system. In 2023, 757 million people, or 9.4% of the global population, were anticipated to be undernourished (FAO, 2024). According to the World Health Organization (2024), 149 million children under the age of five were stunted (too little for their age), 45 million wasted (too thin for their height), and 37 million overweight or obese in 2022. Hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition plague millions of people, particularly across rural areas where extreme poverty and prolonged food scarcity are prevalent. Furthermore, as a result of the trend of growing urbanization, demographic dynamics around the world are evolving at an incredible rate. According to UNICEF’s (2023) projection, 70% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. Therefore, the agrifood system and its governance needs to be transformed to address hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition of these emerging urban populations. Additionally, the triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, overweight and obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies—affects people globally, irrespective of whether they live in high-, upper-, lower-, or middle-income countries. Thus, eliminating all types of malnutrition and ending hunger and food insecurity, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Targets 2.1 and 2.2, is a mountainous task that calls for concrete, concerted effort from multiple stakeholders employing a multidisciplinary approach.
Rationale
In the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Bangladesh ranks 84th out of the 127 countries with a score of 19.4, that is classified as moderate hunger. This report highlights that prevalence of undernourishment is found among 20.3 million people that account for 11.9% of total population. This report further indicates that 23.6% of children under five are stunted, and 11.0% are wasted. It also shows that the prevalence of anemia in women aged 15-49 affects 16.8 million women representing 36.7 % women. It also shows that above 120 million people in the country cannot afford a healthy diet (FAO, 2022). The Global Report on Food Crises, 2024 suggests in Bangladesh 37.3 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity. It demonstrates that the country is currently grappling with a pervasive issue of malnutrition as well as healthy diet, affecting a significant portion of its population. The need for more awareness about healthy diets, proper calorie measurement, the impact of junk food, and the complex relationship between diet and disease is exacerbating this problem. Furthermore, the nutrition sector in the country needs to be more vibrant concerning updated knowledge of modern nutrition, the diversity in the nutrition field, and the promotion of organic food and strengthening local food system. Given these challenges, we are planning to organize a National Nutrition Summit titled ‘Nutrition Summit 2025’ in Bangladesh.
Contextualization of National perspective
1. Prevalence of Malnutrition: Recent national health surveys reveal an alarming prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and women. Malnutrition hinders physical growth and poses long-term health risks, emphasizing the urgency of comprehensive interventions.
2. Lack of Healthy Dietary Habit & Awareness: Most people need more fundamental knowledge about healthy dietary habit, knowledge about healthy diets, proper calorie measurement and basic knowledge of food exchange. This knowledge gap contributes to imbalanced nutrition and increases the susceptibility to various health issues.
3. Lack of harmony about food hygiene & Safety: In general, our food hygiene practices are not that much. These poor hygiene practices have health risks and calls for intervention. Preparing food while sick, self-life of food and lack of access to toilet facilities are the factors significantly associated with poor food hygiene and safety practices. More specifically the street food vendors have low knowledge of food safety and practices and there is limited support from the government for clean water supply. Need more control and regulation on street food vendors.
4. Rising Influence of Junk Food: The increasing availability and consumption of junk food have significantly contributed to poor dietary habits. This trend is further complicating the nutritional landscape and fostering unhealthy lifestyles.
5. Nutrition Sector Challenges:
The nutrition sector in Bangladesh faces several challenges, including insufficient infrastructure, limited resources, and a shortage of skilled professionals. These impediments hinder the effective delivery of nutrition-related services and education.
6. Knowledge Gap regarding modern nutrition among Nutritionists: Nutritionists in the country need more exposure to modern nutrition concepts, limited diversity in the nutrition field, and inadequate understanding of the benefits and practices associated with organic food. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial for enhancing the quality of nutritional guidance provided to the population.
Conceptualization and alignment with of Global movements and experience
1. Global Malnutrition Trends: International data underscores the global significance of addressing malnutrition as a critical public health issue. Countries worldwide recognize the need for comprehensive strategies to combat malnutrition and promote healthy living.
2. Success Stories in Nutrition Education: Numerous countries have successfully implemented nutrition education programs, improving health outcomes. Learning from these success stories can guide Bangladesh in designing effective interventions tailored to its unique context.
3. Agroecological/permaculture/Organic Food Movement: Internationally, there is a growing awareness of the benefits of organic food consumption produced through Agroecological/permaculture/Organic practices. Exploring global practices in promoting organic food and sustainable agriculture can provide valuable insights for shaping Bangladesh’s approach to nutrition.
Objectives
Specific objective: To promote a comprehensive and collaborative approach to nutritional literacy for the mass people by enhancing their knowledge and capacity leveraging multi-stakeholderism.
General objectives
• Exploring broad range of prospects for dieticians, nutritionists, and health educators in relevant cultural and economic contexts, based on emerging scientific and technological development
• Organizing a nutrition awareness campaign (both offline and online) to raise awareness among individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, location or status as a person with a disability
• Collaborating with stakeholders, including policymakers at national and international levels, to promote community engagement, local and organic food, and a sustainable agri-food system that improves nutrition for all
• Educating the public including educational institutes, community organizations, civil society organizations the concept of notorious food
• Introducing the marking the calorie content and nutritional facts of food in food outlet involving food outlets owners and safe food authority
Activities
Define Objectives and Goals:
• Clearly outline the purpose of the event: to educate participants on healthy food choices, identify junk food, and understand calorie measurement in meals.
• Set specific goals, such as increasing awareness, providing practical knowledge, and fostering networking among participants.
Identify Key Stakeholders:
• Contact clinical nutritionists, academicians, development workers, food industry professionals, sports nutritionists, doctors, and general participants.
• Collaborate with relevant organizations, universities, and government agencies involved in health and nutrition.
Develop a Program with Detail Agenda:
• Create a detailed agenda with sessions covering various topics related to health and nutrition.
• Include keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions.
• Allocate enough time for Q&A sessions and networking breaks. Select Speakers and Facilitators:
• Invite experts in nutrition, healthcare, academia, and the food industry.
• Ensure diversity in speakers to cover different perspectives and expertise.
• Provide guidelines and support for speakers to prepare engaging presentations.
Choose a Venue and Date:
• Select a venue that is easily accessible and can accommodate your expected number of participants.
• Consider parking, seating arrangements, audiovisual equipment, and catering services.
• Set a date that doesn’t clash with major holidays or events and allows ample time for planning and promotion.
Promote the Event:
• Utilize various marketing channels such as social media, email newsletters, posters, and press releases.
• Highlight the benefits of attending the summit and emphasize the topics’ relevance.
• Offer early bird discounts or promotional codes to encourage early registration.
Registration and Participant Engagement:
• Set up an online registration system to streamline the registration process for participants.
• Encourage early registration through incentives such as discounted rates or exclusive perks.
• Foster participant engagement by offering interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and avenues for sharing insights and experiences.
Arrange Logistics:
• Coordinate with vendors for catering, signage, audiovisual equipment, and other necessary services.
• Develop a registration system to manage attendee sign-ups, payments, and check-ins.
• Prepare materials such as name badges, handouts, and presentation slides.
Facilitate Engagement and Interaction:
• Incorporate interactive elements like live polls, group discussions, and networking sessions.
• Provide opportunities for participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with speakers and fellow attendees.
• Encourage active participation through social media hashtags and online forums.
Evaluate and Follow-Up:
• Collect participant feedback through surveys or feedback forms to assess the event’s effectiveness.
• Analyze the feedback to identify areas for improvement and gather suggestions for future events.
• Follow up with attendees with a thank-you email, additional resources, or information about upcoming events or initiatives.
Document and Share Insights:
• Record sessions (with permission) for those who couldn’t attend and for future reference.
• Compile key takeaways, insights, and best practices into a report or summary document.
• Share the findings with participants, stakeholders, and the wider community through online platforms, newsletters, and publications.
Outcome
• Enhanced Understanding of Healthy Food: Participants will gain deeper insights into healthy food, including the importance of balanced nutrition, essential nutrients, and dietary requirements for different age groups and lifestyles.
• Understanding Food Calories Measurement: The summit will provide a platform for educating participants on measuring and interpreting food calories effectively, particularly on a meal-to-meal basis. This knowledge can empower individuals to make informed dietary choices and manage their calorie intake more effectively.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging knowledge exchange, networking, and the sharing of best practices in health and nutrition.
• Capacity Building: The event will serve as a platform for capacity building among participants, equipping them with the latest research findings, tools, and techniques in health and nutrition education, counseling, and intervention strategies.
• Policy Implications: Discussions may lead to insights into policy implications regarding public health, food regulation, and nutrition education initiatives, influencing decision-making processes at both institutional and governmental levels.
• Community Engagement: The summit promotes community engagement and awareness-building on health and nutrition issues by involving general participants and encouraging behavior change towards healthier eating habits and lifestyles.
• Identification of Junk Food: Through discussions, presentations, and workshops, attendees will learn to recognize and differentiate between healthy foods and junk foods, understanding their impact on health and well-being.
• Research Opportunities: The event may identify areas for further research and collaboration, addressing gaps in knowledge and understanding within the field of health and nutrition in Bangladesh.
• Professional Development: Attendees, especially clinical nutritionists, sports nutritionists, and doctors, can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or credits, contributing to their ongoing professional development and certification requirements.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Lastly, the summit can inspire and motivate participants to become advocates for healthy living, both personally and professionally, creating a ripple effect of positive change within their communities and beyond.
Conclusion
The National Health and Nutrition Summit in Bangladesh is an imperative step towards addressing the country’s multifaceted nutrition challenges. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, we aim to build a foundation for a healthier, more informed society that embraces modern nutrition concepts, appreciates the diversity in nutrition, and values the importance of organic and local food in fostering overall well-being.
Annex 1: Expected Participants PARTICIPANTS
Visitors:
• Food Technologists
• Sports Nutritionist/ Gymnasium
• Clinical Nutritionist
• Nutritional Academician
• NGO/Development worker
• Doctors
• General Participants
• Healthcare professionals
• Researchers and innovators
• Organic food production company/ enterprise
• Public Health Professional
Exhibitors:
• Government Health Departments
• International Health Organization
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Nutrition Education Institutions
• Healthcare Providers and Hospitals
• Food and Beverage Companies
• Fitness and Wellness Centers
• Technology and Nutrition Apps
• Nutritionists and Dietitians:
• Research and Development Institutions
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives
• Media and Publications:
• Supplement and Nutraceutical Companies
• Educational Publishers
Annex 2: Member of Advisory Board ADVISORY BOARD
Chief Advisor:
National Professor A.K Azad Khan President, BADAS
Members:
1. Prof. Shah Golum Nabi Director, Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN)
2. Md. Saidul Arefin Director, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science (INFS) University of Dhaka
3. Md. Khorshed Alam NDC Executive Director, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training on Applied Nutrition (BIRTAN)
4. Professor Soniya Begum Principal, Government College of Applied Human Science
5. Prof. Nazmun Nahar Professor of Paediatrics and Ex-DG, BIRDEM
6. Mohammed Abu Sayeed Department of Community Medicine, IMC
7. Prof. Dr. Md. Hafizur Rahman President, Bangladesh Endocrine Society
8. Shamsun Naher Mohua CNO & HOD, Diet & Nutrition, BIRDEM
9. Ayub Bhuiyan General Secretary, National Press Club
