As part of ongoing efforts to advance Syria’s health sector and strengthen scientific research, and in line with global trends highlighting the importance of nutritional sciences in improving quality of life, the establishment of the Syrian American Society of Nutrition was officially announced. The announcement took place during the Society’s first scientific day, held at the National Library in Damascus.
The Society’s Mission and Objectives
The Society aims to promote the nutrition profession in Syria, prepare graduates for the local, regional, and international labor markets, and develop their skills in line with international standards. It also seeks to raise nutritional awareness among various segments of Syrian society.
In addition, the Society works to supply the health sector with qualified specialized personnel, cooperate with universities and research institutes in scientific studies, and collaborate with international bodies such as the American and British Nutrition Associations to benefit from global expertise in food and nutrition sciences.
Advancing the Nutrition Profession
In a recorded video address, the Chairman of the Society’s Board, Dr. Louay al-Laban, affirmed that the establishment of the Society represents an important step toward developing the nutrition profession in Syria, improving public nutritional awareness, and enhancing overall health outcomes.
He stressed that nutrition specialists play a fundamental role in community awareness, health promotion, and disease prevention. Laban explained that the Society will focus on transferring international expertise and applying it locally to develop Syrian human resources and prepare graduates capable of providing high-quality nutritional services and safe food practices.
The scientific day addressed several key topics, including strengthening human immunity, adopting proper nutritional systems, and raising awareness about healthy nutrition practices while avoiding disease-related risks.
Expanding Professional Engagement While Supporting the Health Sector
Assistant Director of Primary Healthcare at the Ministry of Health, Ismail al-Khatib, noted that the establishment of specialized professional associations significantly supports the health sector and contributes to its development. He emphasized that the Ministry of Health prioritizes partnership with professional and scientific bodies to enhance nutrition and health services and ensure comprehensive coverage across Syrian governorates.
Secretary-General of the Syrian American Society of Nutrition, Dr. Canada Habib, explained that the Society aims to attract the largest possible number of nutrition specialists and interested professionals to begin active fieldwork. This includes cooperation with food laboratories to promote healthy products, as well as organizing scientific and educational activities that serve both professionals and the wider community.
She noted that the Society’s establishment lays the groundwork for a new phase focused on improving nutritional and health conditions, strengthening community awareness, and enhancing Syria’s scientific and professional presence at the international level.
It is worth noting that last month the Ministry of Health launched a national nutrition survey across several Syrian provinces. The survey aims to measure malnutrition rates among children from birth to five years of age and women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 years old, providing essential data to guide future health and nutrition policies.
