ABSTRACT

The study examined perception of health care professionals in achieving nutrition components of the sustainable development goals in Umuahia North l.g.a.  Three hundred and seventeen (317) respondents were selected using simple two staged sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit research information. socio-demographic, level of health care professionals involvement in the sustainable development goals, factors mitigating against implementation sustainable development goals towards achieving nutrition components, ways in achieving sustainable development goals among health care professionals. The study revealed that more than half (53%) were female, (68.8%) were aged 24 to 35 years and (54.9%) were married. The study also showed that (32.2%) of the respondents were doctors/physician. Based on the respondents knowledge of sustainable development goal, the study showed that (71.9%) had average knowledge. The study showed slightly above half (56.2%) of the respondents had not received training or education on sustainable development goals, majority (88.3%) of the respondents have not actively participated in any initiative of sustainable development goal,  more than half (72.9%) of the respondents were not aware of the specific targets and indications set out for sustainable development goal, (36.6%) of the respondents rarely engage with patients or communities to create awareness about sustainable development goal, more than half (72.2%) of the respondents were not familiar with the policies pertaining to sustainable development goal. The result showed that (76.3%) indicated all of the above while few insufficient training as factors mitigating against implementation of sustainable development goal two, more than half (70.7%) indicated no to administrative barriers, (54.6%) collaborate between different stake holders is crucial for achieving sustainable development goal. The result showed that more than half (69.1%) indicated that there are specific training program that healthcare professional should undergo to efficiently contribute to sustainable development goal, Less than half (44.2%) of the respondents indicated that occasionally implementing food practices in healthcare facilities such as reducing food waste will help achieve sustainable development goal, more than half (73.2%) indicated that collaborating with local farmer to prioritize locally sourced and nutrition food will help achieve sustainable development goal and about (72.9%) of the respondents said yes that involvement in initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition will help achieve sustainable development. Based on the findings recommendation was made Health care professionals should be fully involved in initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in your community.