Scope Role of Public Nutritionist : Nutrition is an important determinant of health. The changing health scenario globally has increased the challenges for public nutritionists. The public nutritionist (also called community nutritionist), who is well trained and equipped in key areas, is eminently suited to participate in all the strategies of health promotion and prevention. The key areas include nutritional science, nutritional needs throughout the life cycle, nutritional assessment, nutritional care, food science, educational methods, mass media and communication and programme management.
A community nutritionist can work in the following areas/situations. (a) As a part of outreach programmes undertaken by hospitals for prevention and promotion and education. (b) As a part of the national Integrated Child Development Services, at different levels based on qualifications and expertise. (c) At the government level as consultants, advisors, or in policy making committees.
(d) In all developmental programmes of government, voluntary organisations, NGOs and international organisations like UNICEF, USAID, GAIN, Nutrition International, TATA Trust, IFPRI and others are numerous other national and regional organisations. (e) They can be involved with organisations who undertake large scale feeding programmes for various target groups such as young children, school children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating mothers, elderly, challenged individuals. (f) Nutritionists or school health counsellors in school health programmes. (g) They can be involved with corporate CSR programmes dealing with food and nutrition security to vulnerable groups.
Besides this, there are avenues in teaching, research, entrepreneurship with agencies involved in developing communication materials and educational packages for those who have adequate and appropriate training. A ctivity School to organise visit to Anganwadis (ICDS centres). Students can interact with supervisor (if possible) or sevika, observe the activities (if possible, be present when the food is distributed) and prepare a power point presentation about the same. A ctivity School to organise an interactive session with medical officer /health in charge of PSM dept / PHC / Municipal Corporation about the problems of undernutrition and its the possible causes.
A ctivity School to organise an exhibition on nutritional problems in India, their causes, vulnerable groups and simple preventive measures. A ctivity Log on to the websites of WHO, UNICEF, Poshan Abhiyaan, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Women and Child Development to learn more about their programmes and activities.