Competence building in the areas of food science, nutrition and health in Eritrea
The purpose of the present project is to establish Eritrea`s first post-graduate training programmes in Nutrition, Food Science and Health at the Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences (OCMHS)in the capital city Asmara.
Eritrea
Located at the Horn of Africa along the western Red Sea coast, Eritrea is bordered by the Republic of Sudan to the north and west, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the south and Djibouti to the southeast. According to steadily emerging scientific evidence, Eritrea is now generally regarded as the sight for the earliest evidence of human settlement in the world. Nonetheless, Eritrea which achieved its sovereignty in May 1991, after decades of fierce struggle for independence, is the youngest African country after South Sudan.
Characteristics of the sector
Nutrition plays an essential role in human growth and development andfor the maintenance of good health and stamina. Along with many developing countries, Eritrea faces, among other challenges, double burden of malnutrition and endemic increasesin non-communicable diseases that canbe prevented by ensuring stable and adequate, balanced and proper nutrition. Awareness and knowledge in the areas of food and nutrition are key factors for safeguarding food security for the provisionof healthy, affordable, safe, and sustainable food supply.
Interventions in the areas of food and nutrition representbasic, indispensable human needs as well as inalienable, fundamental human rights.Furthermore, such interventions are known toreadily alleviate human misery, enhance quality of life, curb rising health care costs and in the long run dramatically contribute to economic productivity.Competence building in the areas of Food, Nutrition and Health Sciences constitutes a vital step in designing and implementinginterventionsfor health promotion, disease prevention and for achievement of sustainable food security.
Higher education in food, nutrition and health in Eritrea
At the present time in Eritrea, basic courses in the areas of food and nutrition form part of the curriculum for undergraduate students at the Department of Community Medicine and Nursing located within the framework of Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences. Similarly, basic courses in food technology and nutritionare offered at the Hamelmalo Agricultural College. However, none of these colleges are capable of offeringpost-graduate studies in the areasunder consideration in this Concept Note.
The present proposal aims to initiate the process of establishing MSc level post–graduate training in the areas of Food Science, Nutrition and Health in Eritrea.
Eligibility
Eligible participants for the proposed MSc program constitute graduates in Public health, Life Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Marine Sciences, Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine and related areas.
Partnership with other universities
The proposed MSc program in Nutrition, Food Science and Health, with a duration of about five years, is planned to be launched in year ______. The MSC degree program will be administered by ________ and will probably be located in________. The project will strive to benefit from national and international linkages. Possible partners may include Universities in Sweden e.g., the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Sweden‚Universities in East Africa, and colleges in Eritrea.
National authorities and agencies
The Ministriesof Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Marine Resources and Development, National Development are natural partners that are likely to utilize the skills emanating from this project for application in various contexts within their mandated areas of focus and competence.
Sustainability
It is evident, as is the case in nearly all instances, that the establishment of such new MSc programmes in countries similar to Eritrea will require close cooperation on the ground for extended periods of time with partners that wield requisite resources, experience and tested knowledge. Nonetheless, concrete efforts will be required during the process of collaboration in order to ensure a carefully planned, successive transfer of technical and administrative competence that will ultimately facilitate an expedient exchange of ownership and responsibility as is reasonably possible.
High competence in management, teaching, research and evaluationis likely to enhance the possibility of acquiring grants both for research and implementation. Such a process may in turn create opportunities for Eritrean scholars to remain at home, and for those residing abroad to return to their country and contribute to the development of the nation.
Conducting higher degree courses locally are cost-effective and readily provide possibilities for scholars to work in their home country thereby retaining acquired knowledge in the country.Even more urgent and of paramount importance is ensuring accessibility of postgraduate education locally so that female scholars get opportunity to participate. Available evidence clearly indicates that in many instances womenunwillingly and with dismay abandon their innermost desire to pursue higher education abroad because such a choice would invariably entail protracted absence from their home countries.
Cost efficiency and impact
The initial costfor the acquisition of material resources including well-equipped laboratories and essential chemicals is likely to be very high though inescapable.
Risk analysis
Every possible precaution will be taken to avoid delays in purchase, transport and installation of laboratory equipment and to ensure reliable electricity and water supply as well as a functional internet system.
Conclusion
It is true beyond doubt to state that never in its modern history has Eritreahad a brighter future and stronger determination to rebuild the war-torn nation and invest in its environment and cherished citizens than the present moment. In view of this, it is not difficult to surmise that investment on infrastructure for the development of competence in the areas of food science, nutrition and health is likely to give the highest dividends possible – dividends that its citizens truly deserve and are long overdue.