September 24, 2019 - During the ceremony marking the transition of the new generation of nutrition professionals into the profession of dietetics at the Lebanese American University, Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative in Lebanon, spoke of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for health and disease stressing the significance of nutrition as being central in people’s lives, “What people eat, and whether or not they exercise, impacts strongly on their health and quality of life.”
Dr Shankiti sought to inspire the graduates by telling them: “You are no longer just a nutrition student. When I ask what kind of health professional you are, I won’t be asking if you are a pediatric dietitian, a food production dietitian, or if you have your own clinic. I will be asking if you are a dietitian who makes a difference in people’s lives.”
In Lebanon, nutrition is a priority. WHO is currently working with partners on the development of a comprehensive national nutrition strategy that aims at gearing efforts in improving nutritional status of the population. WHO also supports health awareness and education as well as capacity building in the field of nutrition.
Nutrition is at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it is a contributor to all the 17 goals adopted. Nutrition contributes directly to achieving Goal 2 – on ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture; nutrition and is a decisive enabler of Goal 3 – on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
