In October, the University of Nairobi successfully installed a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) machine, marking a major milestone in strengthening research infrastructure. The installation was supported by Dr. Lucas Pinto da Silva and Prof. Ndegwa Maina from the University of Helsinki, who also assisted with the collection of food samples from central kitchens that provide meals for the primary schools for analysis with the new equipment. Earlier in June, Dr. Lucy Njue and Dr. Benard Aliwa from the University of Nairobi received training in GC-MS analysis and validation methods for detecting chemical hazards in food samples.
At the Universidade de Lúrio, preparations for GC-MS installation are underway. Laboratory renovations are nearing completion, with adjustments needed to gas lines. Installation is scheduled for early next year.
Once installed at both universities, these GC-MS machines will significantly enhance research and teaching capacity, enabling cutting-edge analysis of food safety hazards
Training and data collection activities to assess the nutritional quality and safety of school meals were successfully completed in Nairobi and Nampula in October and November. The intensive trainings for the team members included anthropometric measurements, 24-hour dietary recalls, and background questionnaires in theory and practice at two primary schools in each country.
This data will be used in the practical course next year, where students get a chance to practice analyzing the samples in laboratory, calculate food and nutrient intakes and interpret the results to evaluate the local food systems.
The Dietary and Food Safety Assessment Tool (DASAT) web application was successfully used for dietary data checking during training and data collection in Nairobi and Nampula. DASAT also includes literature concentration of chemical food hazards and thus enable calculation of both nutrient intakes and exposure to food safety hazards simultaneously in DASAT.
Dr. Caroline Muthike received training on using DASAT for data checking and interpretation, and we are organizing further trainings before the end of the year. Additionally, the updated Mozambican Food Atlas was finalized and applied in training sessions and data collection in Nampula. This Food Atlas includes pictures of the foods and meals that are common in the Nampula Province in Mozambique.
Development of digital learning materials and modules to the DigiCampus platform has been done. We have developed four different modules that focus on 1. food systems and sustainable development 2. dietary, anthropometric and food sample data collection, 3. data analysis and interpretation and 4. how to communicate with the stakeholders and start actions for change.
Currently, we are planning digital support to the teachers for an easy transition to blended teaching and demonstrate how different sections of the platform can be integrated into various courses. These learning materials will be used in different courses at the University of Helsinki, University of Nairobi and Universidade de Lúrio, including the practical course organized for students in the upcoming year.
- GC-MS Installed at the University of Nairobi: The GC-MS machine was successfully installed in October.
- Developed updated Mozambican Food Atlas and DASAT web app: The updated Mozambican Food Atlas and DASAT web app were used in training and data collection in September and October.
- Successful training and data collection in Nairobi and Nampula: We successfully trained team members to collect dietary and food sample data from primary schools in September and October. In practice, we did background questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and 24-hour recalls, and this data will be analyzed on the practical course next spring.
- Developed module to the DigiCampus platform: We have developed four modules to the DigiCampus platform and related assignments. We are currently planning associated teacher training on how to use the platform.