NutriPed – A WCEA and Nestlé Nutrition Institute Collaboration to Strengthen Pediatric Nutrition Education Across Africa
The World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) has partnered with the Nestlé Nutrition Institute (NNI)—a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science of nutrition by promoting, supporting, and sharing evidence-based knowledge with health professionals worldwide—to launch NutriPed, the Frontline Pediatric Nutrition Program, across Africa.
To ensure the program addressed real needs, a comprehensive survey was conducted with 925 healthcare professionals from 15 African countries—84% nurses and 16% midwives. While most respondents were highly experienced (64% with over six years in their roles), the survey revealed significant knowledge gaps in pediatric nutrition. Importantly, 94% expressed a strong desire for further training.
In response, WCEA and NNI developed a tailored educational program featuring interactive online modules, expert-led video sessions, and practical toolkits—available in both English and French, and accessible online and offline. The curriculum was created by leading regional experts, including Prof. Andrew M. Prentice (MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) and Dr. Helen Nabwera (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), ensuring content is relevant to both regional and local contexts.
Through NutriPed, WCEA and NNI aim to empower nurses, midwives, and clinical officers with the latest knowledge and skills in pediatric nutrition—ultimately improving child health outcomes across the continent.