Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN) is an association of all dietitians in Nigeria. According to the International Confederation of Dietetic Association’s (ICDA) definition, “a Dietitian is a person with a qualification in nutrition and dietetics recognized by national authority (s). The minimum level of education of a dietitian is a bachelor’s degree and a period of supervised professional practice of at least 500h (internship programme in an accredited health facility). A dietitian applies the science of nutrition to the feeding and education of individuals and groups in health and disease “. DAN is an off shoot of Nigerian thDietetic Association (NDA) following the Federal Government approval on 4 August, 2008 of a Scheme of Service for Dietitians in Nigeria, structured on: GL 08-17(Federal) and GL 08-16 (State) for graduate dietitians (Professional/Officer Cadre) and re-designation of the sub-professional cadre as Assistant Dietitian cadre on GL 07-14 for those with Higher National Diploma.
DAN is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria and the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA), incorporated in Canada. DAN is primarily a national association of all graduate dietitians with membership strength of over 250 registered Dietitians (RDs). Dietitians in any country are represented in the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA) by only one national association and DAN is the national association for dietitians in Nigeria. DAN has participated in three major activities organized by ICDA in 2009/2010.
OUR MISSION
To ensure that Dietitians in Nigeria meet uniform minimum education and practice standards set by ICDA through accreditation of programmes and continious monitoring. Create awareness and promote evidence-based medical nutrition therapy. Dietitians Associations of Nigeria supports members and the general public to achieve: – An integrated communication system – An enhanced image of the Dietetics profession – An increased awareness of standards of education; training and practice in dietetics.
WHAT WE DO
Role of Dietitians:
Most people think that dietitians work primarily in a hospital or a Food Service setting. With increased consumer interest in healthy eating and advent of information technology, the role of the registered dietitian has evolved beyond this. Dietitians are essential members of the health care team and have a wide range of job opportunities.