2007/2008 winners
The Nestle Nutrition Institute recognises those who have made significant contributions to nutrition in Africa
The Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa (NNIA) was inaugurated in 2001, as a virtual institute, with the aim of furthering the understanding of the science of nutrition on the African continent.
The NNIA’s vision is that people at every stage of life should have the necessary knowledge, access and motivation to maintain good nutrition for themselves and for their communities. The Institute further advocates that life is enhanced not only through the adequate provision of basic nutrition, but also through the connection between good food and the creation of a full and healthy lifestyle in a safe environment.
The NNIA provides access to nutrition information for Health Professionals only at www.nnia.org, as well as at the global Nestlé Nutrition Institute www.nestlenutrition-institute.org.
The NNIA actively facilitates a number of activities, which include scientific meetings, capacity building in clinical skills acquisition and research, continuing professional development, scholarship support and, last but not least, the recognition of health care professionals for the work they do in the field of nutrition in the form of its Awards.
The second annual awards ceremony was recently held in Nairobi, Kenya for Pan-Africa.
The purpose of the awards is to:
- acknowledge excellence in nutrition
- encourage and focus on developments in nutrition in Africa
- facilitate communication among scientists in the field
- facilitate dissemination of recent developments in the field
- make the NNIA and its objectives known to the nutrition and medical community.
There were a number of nominees for the Awards from the African continent. The NNIA Scientific Board made a selection of 6 finalists for the period 2007-2008.
The categories for nominations were as follows:
- Best Nutrition Publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal
- Recognition of contributions made to the advancement of Clinical Nutrition
- Recognition of contributions made to the advancement of Paediatric Nutrition
- Recognition of contributions made to the advancement of Public Health Nutrition
The Awardees are as follows:
- Dr Ismael Kasvosve from Zimbabwe and Dr Emmanuel Afoakwa from Ghana for the Best Nutrition Publication.
- Ms Janicke Visser from South Africa, for her contribution to Clinical Nutrition.
- Dr Paula Vas from Mozambique and Professor Fred Were from Kenya for their contributions to Paediatric Nutrition.
- Dr Isaac Akinyele from Nigeria for his contribution to Public Health Nutrition.
| The following is a summary of each of the awards: | |
| Best publication in Nutrition 2007-2008 | |
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Dr Ishmael Kasvosve, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
For his original work* on the possible protective effect of ferroportin Q24H8 polymorphism mutation against iron deficiency in African children aged 3-60 months, and its relationship to inflammation. Such findings improve our understanding of the relationship between genes and nutrients, especially iron, which is of particular importance in children
*Am J Clin Nutr 2005; 82: 1102-1106
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Dr Emmanuel Afoakwa, University of Ghana, Ghana
For his extensive and original work* on fat crystallisation behaviours on the microstructure, mechanical properties and appearance in dark chocolates varying in particle size distribution. Such findings improve our understanding in predicting changes in texture and colour quality of the end product in relation to colour quality of the end product during industrial chocolate manufacture and supply chain management.
*J Food Engineering 2008; 89:128-136
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| Contribution to Public Health Nutrition | |
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Professor Isaac Akinyele, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
For his sustained contribution to academia and research, and for working tirelessly to improve the nutritional status indicators amongst the poor in Nigeria and the African continent using integrated interventions which have made significant contributions to policy formulation and programme implementation.
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| Contribution to Clinical Nutrition | |
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Mrs Janicke Visser, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
For her meta-analytic studies of the recent literature on the safety and efficacy of micronutrient supplementation of critically ill patients. The findings of her work can be used as guidelines for the management of such patients, and formed the basis of her Masters degree.
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| Contribution to Paediatric Nutrition | |
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Dr Paula Vaz, Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique
For her dedication in taking the initiative and raising funds to build a new paediatric wing in the hospital and creating a child friendly environment which all of Africa can learn from. Dr. Vaz and her team created a world-class environment for children with HIV. Hundreds of children have benefited and many more will in the future.
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Professor Fredrick Were, University of Nairobi, Kenya
For his major contribution to training, service and research in paediatrics. His major contributions include income generation, coordination of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, strategic planning on service and academic issues, editorial responsibilities, mentorship, and the sole African representative of the International Paediatric Association on Environmental Health.
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