Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is my profound honor and privilege to welcome you all to the Conference of Nutrition & Dietetics – COND 2026 to be hosted in the University for Development Studies, in the vibrant city of Tamale, Ghana. On behalf of the organizing team, our partners, and the people of Ghana, I extend a heartfelt Maraaba—meaning warm welcome—to you all. Whether you have traveled from across Ghana, Africa, or from distant corners of the globe, your presence at COND 2026 signifies a shared commitment to a cause that transcends borders: the health and well-being of our continent’s future generations.
Hosting this conference in Tamale is no mere coincidence; it is a deliberate choice steeped in cultural, historical, and regional significance. Nestled in the heart of northern Ghana, Tamale is a melting pot of diversity, rich traditions, indigenous knowledge, and resilient food systems that have sustained communities for centuries. This region, with its fertile savannas and bustling markets, exemplifies both the promise and the challenges of African agriculture. Yet, it also bears witness to the harsh realities of malnutrition, where seasonal food insecurity intersects with emerging urban dietary shifts. By gathering here, we intend confronting the modern nutritional crises that affect millions. Tamale serves as a powerful reminder that solutions to Africa’s malnutrition challenges must be rooted in our soil, informed by our cultures, tackled by our experts, and driven by the voices of those who live these realities every day.
Our theme, “Curbing the Triple Burden of Malnutrition in Africa – Mobilizing Stakeholders for Concerted Effective Action,” could not be more timely or urgent. Across our continent, we face a complex and insidious triple threat: undernutrition, which stunts the growth of our children and weakens our societies; micronutrient deficiencies, often hidden but devastating, robbing individuals of their vitality and potential; and the rising tide of overweight and obesity, fueled by rapid urbanization, processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles. This triple burden is not just a health issue—it is a socioeconomic crisis that perpetuates poverty, hampers economic growth, and undermines our sustainable development goals. In Africa, where over 250 million people suffer from hunger, and non-communicable diseases are on the rise, we can no longer afford siloed approaches. The urgency demands that we act now, with evidence-based strategies that address these interconnected challenges holistically.
I am deeply inspired by the diverse array of stakeholders who will be assembling at COND2026. To the policymakers shaping national agendas, the researchers uncovering groundbreaking insights, the dietitians and nutritionists on the frontlines of care, the development partners providing vital resources, and the community leaders bridging grassroots needs with global action—your expertise and passion will be the lifeblood of this conference. Together, we represent a mosaic of perspectives, from academia to advocacy, from government to civil society, united in our resolve to transform dialogue into deeds.
As we embark on this journey over the coming days of the Conference, we will embrace a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment. COND2026 will not merely be a forum for discussion; it will be a call to action—a platform to forge partnerships, share innovative solutions, and commit to measurable outcomes that will curb malnutrition and build resilient food systems across Africa.
Let us leave this conference not just informed, but transformed—ready to mobilize, innovate, and act with the urgency our continent deserves. Together, we can turn the tide on the triple burden and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable Africa.
Thank you, and see you at COND2026.
Asante sana (thank you very much).