Ngwu made the appeal during the Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference organised by DAN, held at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada.
She said that dietetic practice in Nigeria had not gathered sufficient support from the government and the situation had set a drawback to the practice.
According to Ngwu, the Federal Government only approved a scheme of service for dietitians in 2008 and only few healthcare institutions are implementing it.
“ The Dietitians Registration Board is not yet in place. This is an important drawback in dietetic practice in Nigeria.
“ We are calling on the Federal Government to set into motion the process of setting up a board which will regulate the training and practice of dietetics in Nigeria,’’ she said.
Ngwu said dietetic training, as healthcare profession in the country, ought to be domiciled in colleges of medicine and faculties of health sciences for smooth clinical experiences of its students.
The president also urged the government to employ dietitians at the primary level of healthcare in each local government area, to ensure effective control and management of diseases like hypertension.
Mrs Nelly Akuchie, the Leader, Local Organising Committee, DAN, said the aim of the association was to advise, advocate and seek to influence the government on matters concerning nutrition.
She said that many Nigerians had the problem of choosing the right food to eat.
Akuchie said ignorance, misconception and lack of nutritional education were the major causes, saying that was why dietitians would be needed at healthcare centres to guide them.
She urged Nigerians to eat the right combination of food to keep healthy.
Dr Bolajoko John, a participant, said the conference was timely, adding that many Nigerians were not aware of dietitians and they felt that every nutritionist was a dietitian.
Dietitians are professionals whose aim is to educate people on what to eat, to ensure healthy lifestyle.(NAN)
