A Year-Long Effort to Tackle Malnutrition Launched by the Dutch Association of Dietitians

Long-Term Malnutrition Campaign

On Dutch Dietitians’ Day (19 September 2024), the Dutch Association of Dietitians, in close collaboration with the National Fund Against Cancer, launched a groundbreaking 1-year campaign to raise awareness about malnutrition. This comprehensive campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the critical role of dietitians in nutritional care and the importance of interprofessional collaboration in addressing malnutrition across various health conditions.

The campaign will evolve over the course of the year, with two distinct phases that focus on the general and specific impacts of malnutrition. Here’s what to expect:

Phase 1: Malnutrition in General (Until Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024)

The first phase of the campaign, running from September until Malnutrition Awareness Week (MAW) 2024, will center on malnutrition in general. This phase seeks to raise awareness about the widespread nature of malnutrition, which affects people of all ages and backgrounds. During this time, the campaign will:

• Highlight the signs and risks of malnutrition in various populations.
• Emphasize the preventative role of dietitians in identifying and addressing malnutrition early.
• Promote educational resources for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the general public to better understand how malnutrition can be prevented and managed.

Phase 2: Malnutrition in Cancer (After Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024)

Following MAW, the campaign will shift its focus to malnutrition in cancer patients. Malnutrition is a common and serious complication in individuals undergoing cancer treatment, as both the disease and treatments like chemotherapy can negatively impact appetite and nutritional intake. This phase will:

• Educate healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of nutritional care in supporting cancer patients’ recovery and quality of life.
• Showcase the vital role of dietitians in creating personalized nutrition plans that cater to the unique needs of cancer patients.
• Highlight the need for interprofessional collaboration between dietitians, oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive nutritional care.

The Role of Dietitians and Interprofessional Collaboration

A key focus of the campaign is to underscore the critical role dietitians play in preventing and treating malnutrition. Dietitians are uniquely positioned to provide specialized nutritional care, tailor interventions to individual needs, and work alongside other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care. The campaign will stress the importance of interprofessional collaboration, where dietitians, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals work together to ensure patients receive the best possible nutritional support.

Join the Campaign and Make a Difference

This year-long campaign provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness about malnutrition and the essential role of dietitians in combatting it. Whether you are a healthcare professional, caregiver, or concerned member of the public, you can play a part by sharing campaign materials, participating in discussions, and advocating for better nutritional care.

Stay Updated

Follow the Dutch Association of Dietitians and the National Fund Against Cancer on social media for updates, educational content, and ways to get involved throughout the year. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against malnutrition and improve the health outcomes of those most vulnerable.

Let’s make 2024 a year of awareness, action, and collaboration in the fight against malnutrition!