A message from your EFAD Honorary President
EFAD recently met three times in Berlin. Firstly with the Presidents of the member associations, then with the trustees of the European Foundation for Dietetics and Nutrition (EuFoDiN) and finally the Executive Committee (EC) met for the 159th time. The meetings allowed us to discuss common strategic goals across areas where we can work collaboratively. The meetings were incredibly successful and productive, so much so that we have decided to meet every year in the Spring.The key issues identified by the Presidents meeting, included:
1. Sustainability
2. The lack of dietitians and growing the profession
3. Caring for the elderly
4. Nutrition in schools
5. Establishing the ‘right care in the right place’
6. The accreditation of expert dietitians according to EFAD criteria
7. Malnutrition
We heard reports of successful advocacy from across Europe, including the work of Ghita Parry who wrote directly to 800 politicians about the important role of dietitians in treating and preventing childhood obesity. She encouraged fellow dietitians to understand the important role politicians play if we wish to be successful.With the presence of EuFoDiN, we established the next steps for the foundation. These steps include identifying product-market combinations, building projects and piloting the project when it is ready. EFAD will proudly be involved with each progression to help the foundation grow and develop further, with the aim to be completely established and running by September.The meetings also allowed time to reflect on the successes of our committees and collaborations in the past. With such a successful record, we are hopeful and excited for the future ahead.This was highlighted by a joint collaboration between dietitians and dentists in the UK which found that the professions differ in their knowledge of the effects of snacks and snacking behaviours on dental health and also how they prioritise this in their clinical practice. Despite these differences, both professions show a willingness to work collaboratively to ensure consistent advice-giving and expertise-sharing.The EC started to consider the next EFAD strategic plan (2021-2025), and concluded that EFAD must play a role in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to avoid further damage to the planet and mass starvation.We look forward to meeting again at the 30th EFAD General Meeting in Berlin (31 October 2019) where we can discuss our progression and future plans further. We hope you can join us there.Annemieke van Ginkel-Res, EFAD Honorary President
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