Seminar-Training “Nutrition and Health” in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

On March 13, 2026, a seminar-training session entitled “Nutrition and Health” was held at the Department of Health Policy and Organization. The event was organized by first-year doctoral student Yesset S. Mendybayev from the educational program 8D10101 “Public Health,” under the supervision of PhD, Senior Lecturer A.M. Balmukhanova. The seminar was conducted within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily aligning with SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being.” At the same time, it deliberately incorporated elements related to SDG 2 “Zero Hunger / Food Security and Improved Nutrition” and SDG 4 “Quality Education,” reflecting the interdisciplinary and intersectoral nature of the issues addressed. The principles established by the United Nations served as an important external reference point in shaping the seminar’s objectives, tasks, and conclusions.

The seminar brought together faculty members and staff of the department, as well as master’s students enrolled in the 7M10104 “Medicine (Physician-Researcher)” program. The format of the event combined short thematic presentations, group discussions, and hands-on practical activities. Participants completed and interpreted the MedDietScore questionnaire, analyzed clinical and public health case studies, and developed tailored dietary recommendations for different population groups. This multi-component format ensured the achievement of key educational objectives in line with SDG 4, including the enhancement of professional competencies, the development of critical thinking skills, and the strengthening of communication abilities among future healthcare professionals.

The content of the seminar was structured around three interrelated domains. The first domain focused on the evidence base of rational nutrition. Participants discussed current research on the Mediterranean diet, its impact on cardiometabolic health, and the limitations associated with transferring dietary recommendations into local food environments. The second domain addressed practical approaches to dietary assessment at both individual and population levels. The use of the MedDietScore tool allowed participants to explore screening methodologies and interpretation strategies relevant to primary healthcare and preventive programs. The third domain emphasized the educational component, including methodological recommendations for integrating nutrition-related modules into academic curricula and clinical training, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 4 in ensuring inclusive and high-quality education.

Within the scope of SDG 2, particular attention was given to issues of food accessibility and food security. Discussions highlighted the importance of adapting dietary guidelines to local economic and cultural contexts. Participants collaboratively developed practical algorithms for working with vulnerable populations, including guidance on affordable balanced diets and strategies to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods. These discussions underscored the necessity of context-sensitive approaches in public health nutrition.

The scientific and practical segment of the seminar included a critical appraisal of research methodologies in nutrition science. Key aspects such as study design, sample representativeness, bias control, and the validity of statistical inferences were examined in detail. As a result, several practical recommendations were formulated: (1) the implementation of short educational modules for students and staff; (2) the development of adapted informational materials for patients and communities; (3) the initiation of pilot awareness and educational campaigns where feasible; and (4) the monitoring and evaluation of intervention outcomes over a 6–12 month period using accessible indicators such as MedDietScore, food availability metrics, and patient satisfaction levels.

Overall, the seminar demonstrated that integrating the goals of health, food security, and education significantly enhances the practical relevance and long-term impact of academic and professional development initiatives. It highlighted the potential of such interdisciplinary approaches to contribute meaningfully to improving population health outcomes and strengthening the capacity of future healthcare professionals.