Establishing Norway’s ONCA Team for a Healthier Future

As we mark Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024 from November 8th to 14th, Norway is taking an important step toward improving national nutrition and health care. This week, formal invitations have been sent to organizations and health authorities across the country to establish a Norwegian Optimal Nutritional Care for All (ONCA) team.

The ONCA initiative is a pan-European project focused on creating strategic alliances between healthcare providers, policy-makers, and nutrition experts to fight malnutrition and improve access to nutritional care. With Norway joining this initiative, we are strengthening our commitment to better health outcomes for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Why a Norwegian ONCA Team?

Malnutrition is a hidden crisis that affects millions, regardless of age, background, or health status. It contributes to a weakened immune system, longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life. As awareness grows about the impact of malnutrition on individual and public health, Norway aims to create a dedicated team to address these challenges in a comprehensive and collaborative way.

The Norwegian ONCA team will bring together expertise from different sectors, including public health, clinical nutrition, social care, and policy-making, to:

• Develop guidelines and protocols to identify and treat malnutrition effectively.
• Create educational programs for healthcare providers, caregivers, and the public.
• Promote policies that improve access to nutrition resources and support at all levels of healthcare.

The Role of Organizations and Health Authorities

This week’s outreach to organizations and health authorities is a vital step in building a multidisciplinary team that can tackle malnutrition from all angles. By collaborating with institutions focused on healthcare, aging, chronic disease management, and more, the Norwegian ONCA team will develop a united approach to ensure that nutritional care becomes an integral part of healthcare for every individual.

How You Can Support Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply someone who cares about health equity, there are ways to contribute to this mission:

• Stay Informed: Learn about the signs and risks of malnutrition and share this knowledge with your community.
• Advocate for Nutritional Care: Encourage healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize nutritional care in all health settings.
• Participate in Events: Join webinars, workshops, and events focused on nutritional health and malnutrition prevention.

As we observe Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024, let’s commit to making Norway a healthier place for everyone. Establishing the Norwegian ONCA team is just the beginning of a long-term mission to ensure that optimal nutritional care is accessible, prioritized, and a reality for all.