To address the growing nutrition challenges in the country, the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences inaugurated its Centre of Excellence for Nutrition in the capital, on 5th November. The centre, will conduct research, disseminate information to policymakers, and build the capacity of health professionals. The establishment of the centre was supported by the Health Ministry and UNICEF.
The 2023 National Health Survey found 17.9 per cent of children under five years stunted.
The study also revealed an alarming number of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age deficient in red blood cells.
The Centre of Excellence for Nutrition will study reasons for nutrition-related issues such as low red blood cells and micro-nutrient deficiency.
“There are some survey reports, but then the causes of the deficiency diseases are not yet clear. So, we are going to do that and then accordingly, the findings will be disseminated to the public for awareness,” said Rixin Jamtsho, director at the Medical Education Centre for Research, Innovation and Training, KGUMSB.
“You need institutional capacity building, and I see the centre as a way to support that if all development partners also put sufficient manpower and other things to support the centre,” said Dr Vani Sethi, a nutrition specialist at the UNICEF Regional Officer for South Asia.
According to officials, research conducted by the centre will be shared with the health ministry and other organisations that can implement interventions for nutrition-related issues.
The centre will sustain itself financially through funding acquired from training and research.
“It is quite challenging to sustain. Currently, the establishment has been done with support from UNICEF through the Ministry of Health and we are expecting them to help us until we become sustainable and resilient. Gradually, we are trying to implement a business strategy,” added Rixin Jamtsho.
Considering the lack of health professionals in nutrition-related issues, the centre will also work towards capacity building of health professionals.
Nursing and public health students attending the inauguration are looking forward to the centre’s initiatives.
“We cannot entirely prevent diseases. However, maybe 50 to 60 per cent can be prevented with nutrition. That is why I think the centre will help a lot in preventing diseases,” said Kezang Namgay, a student at the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, KGUMSB.
The centre will also conduct periodic symposiums to discuss and spread awareness about nutrition in the country.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sherub Dorji
