Empowering global nutrition with digital technology: Proceedings of the 8th annual International Summit on Nutrition and Health

Abstract

Introduction Digital technologies increasingly influence all aspects of human life worldwide, including food, nutrition, and health. Technological breakthroughs often promise great improvements in scientific understanding, industrial advancements, and human and planetary wellbeing. However, the necessary validation (for safety and efficacy) and practical implementation of novel technologies are rarely straightforward. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital technologies expanded in healthcare and research: examples include the widespread adoption of telecommunications platforms for online working, digital apps and smart devices, novel therapeutics, and advances in supply chain management (1). COVID-19 has also highlighted the importance of good general health, underpinned by good nutritional status, in mitigating the risk of communicable disease (2). Both food and health systems have been put under huge additional strain during this time, both financially and in terms of systemic capacity. Consequently, there has been a sharp exacerbation in food insecurity and malnutrition risk worldwide. To discuss the role of digital technology in global nutrition, the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (NNEdPro) and the International Academy of Nutrition Educators (IANE), in collaboration with BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health (BMJ NPH) hosted the 8th annual International Summit on Nutrition and Health (the Summit). NNEdPro is an interdisciplinary think-tank, training academy and knowledge network established in 2008. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with 12 regional networks across six continents, NNEdPro is committed to ending all forms of malnutrition through research, education and advocacy (3). This editorial provides a narrative overview of the proceedings of the Summit.