Craig

Craig

Otieno

Craig

I hold a deep commitment to evidence-based nutrition. My journey began with clinical practice, where I saw firsthand how systemic gaps in food security lead to chronic health issues. This transitioned into a focus on Public Health Nutrition, moving from individual patient care to large-scale interventions aimed at improving the nutritional status of vulnerable populations across the continent. Research Interests My research is centered on addressing the \"double burden\" of malnutrition—where undernutrition and obesity coexist within the same communities or even the same households. My primary areas of focus include:

• Maternal and Child Nutrition: Optimizing the first 1,000 days of life to prevent stunting and developmental delays.
• Urban Food Environments: Analyzing how rapid urbanization in African cities influences dietary choices and the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• Policy Advocacy: Translating scientific data into actionable policies for fortified foods and school feeding programs.

My Role in APHRC and CARTA At the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and through the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA), I play a dual role as both a scientist and a mentor. Entity My Primary Focus APHRC Leading technical research on food security and health dynamics within urban slums and rural settlements. CARTA Mentoring the next generation of African scholars to ensure their research is rigorous, locally relevant, and globally competitive. In the Virtual Academies, I facilitate sessions on Research Methodology and Grant Writing, specifically tailored to the health sciences. I help fellows navigate the complexities of data collection in diverse African landscapes, ensuring that their findings contribute to a healthier, more food-secure continent.