Dietitians are highly qualified and regulated health practitioners who use the most up-to-date public health and scientific evidence on food, health and disease which is translated into practical strategies to assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level, to support optimal health and well-being.
Dietitians use their knowledge and scientific principles and methods in nutrition and dietetics, skill and judgment in a variety of contexts, which includes promoting and protecting public health, directing and delivering medical nutrition therapy services, and managing food and health systems. The scope of dietetic practice is such that dietitians may perform a variety of functions, including policy development, leadership, management, research, academia, healthcare, industry, sports & exercise, government, and communication roles.
Dietitians empower their patients, clients, and communities to embrace food, to understand it, and to enjoy it, and make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. The advice and information they provide is tailored to their clients and patients’ personal needs and challenges, including taste and accessibility. They translate the science of nutrition into terms everyone can understand to support healthy living for all.
In Ghana dietitians are everywhere. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals in clinical practice, undertake scientific research, teach in academic institutions, drive innovation in the food industry, inform public policy, in sport and the media, or work with patients and communities across the country.