KARACHI, (TDI): Aga Khan University (AKU) has launched a series of free online nutrition courses designed specifically for healthcare professionals in Pakistan.
The initiative, part of the IGNIT3 project, aims to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers to address critical nutritional challenges, particularly for women, children, and adolescents.
By providing accessible and interactive training, the university seeks to empower healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate effective nutrition care into their practices, ultimately improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations across the country.
The IGNIT3 project, which stands for “Increase Gains in Nutrition by Integration, Education, Evaluation & Empowerment,” is a collaborative five-year initiative that began in 2023. It seeks to improve nutrition services in Pakistan, Ghana, and Malawi and is funded by Global Affairs Canada.
In Pakistan, the project is implemented by IGHD in partnership with the Centre for Global Child Health at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Nutrition International, and WaterAid Pakistan.
The newly launched course suite, titled “Nutrition for Health Professionals in Pakistan: Assessing, Managing, and Promoting Child, Adolescent & Maternal Nutrition,” provides interactive and accessible training tailored to the specific needs of Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Aimed at doctors, dietitians, nurses, and midwives, the courses equip healthcare professionals with practical skills to incorporate nutrition care into their clinical practices. By emphasizing the links between gender, environment, and nutrition, the courses strive to deliver equitable healthcare and address the unique challenges faced by Pakistan.
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Available on the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) platform, these mobile-friendly courses can be accessed from any device, with offline options for added convenience.
Participants will receive certificates accredited by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Pakistan Medical Council upon completion.
Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, founding director of IGHD and co-director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, stated, “These courses, developed in collaboration with leading experts, are specifically designed to tackle the significant challenges we face in enhancing nutrition within our healthcare systems.”
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IGNIT3’s courses are set to play a crucial role in improving child, adolescent, and maternal nutrition care, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations.
Health professionals interested in the program can register at wcea.education/register by selecting Pakistan and their respective organizations.
