On Friday, 30th August 2024, the 16th Inaugural Lecture at the University of the University for Development Studies was delivered by Prof. Francis Kweku Amagloh, a renowned expert in nutrition and food science and former Dean of the UDS Graduate School.

The lecture, titled “White to Orange: A Small Shift for a Big Impact," delved into the critical role of nutrition in shaping an individual’s future health and well-being, particularly during infancy and early childhood.

Prof. Amagloh emphasized that the foundations for lifelong health are laid during the early years of life, with nutrition playing a pivotal role. He underscored that an individual's future health is significantly programmed by the quality of nutrition received in infancy and early childhood. In his lecture, Prof. Amagloh explored the challenges of infant feeding practices, particularly after the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

A significant part of the lecture focused on the limitations of cereals, especially white maize, as a common complementary food ingredient in many parts of the world. Prof. Amagloh highlighted the nutritional deficiencies associated with white maize, which is often a staple in infant diets, and presented a compelling case for transitioning to a more nutrient-rich alternative.

The highlight of the lecture was Prof. Amagloh’s advocacy for the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) as a superior alternative to white maize in complementary feeding. He explained that the orange-fleshed sweet potato is rich in essential nutrients, particularly beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is crucial for the development of healthy eyesight, immune function, and overall growth in children.

Prof. Amagloh’s presentation included a detailed discussion on the journey from "White to Orange," illustrating how a seemingly small shift in dietary choices can have a significant impact on public health. He showcased various commercial products developed from the orange-fleshed sweet potato, demonstrating its versatility and potential for improving the nutritional status of populations.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, who doubled as the Chairman, commended Prof. Francis Kweku Amagloh for his insightful presentation, highlighting the critical importance of early childhood nutrition in shaping lifelong health. He emphasized that the shift from white maize to orange-fleshed sweet potato, as proposed by Prof. Amagloh, could have far-reaching benefits for public health, particularly in reducing malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency. The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged continued research and collaboration to further explore and implement such impactful nutritional interventions.

The lecture was attended by people from all walks of life, including all Principal Officers of the University, academic staff, students, traditional rulers and professionals in the fields of nutrition and public health.

Prof. Amagloh’s insights are expected to influence future research and policies aimed at improving child nutrition and reducing malnutrition in developing regions.

The 16th Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Francis Kweku Amagloh not only highlighted the importance of early nutrition but also presented practical solutions that could lead to better health outcomes for future generations. His call to move from "White to Orange" could mark a significant shift in the fight against malnutrition and related health issues.

Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media