Accra: Women, Media and Change (WOMEC) and the Eleanor Crook Foundation have partnered with the Government of Ghana to bolster efforts aimed at combating malnutrition, with a particular focus on children. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), aims to gather support and financing to address severe acute malnutrition, which remains a pressing issue in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Jerry Sam, Technical Lead at WOMEC, highlighted during a meeting in Accra that the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey reported 68,517 children under the age of five were impacted by Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), with only 15 per cent of these children receiving necessary treatment globally. Mr Sam emphasized that while SAM is treatable, securing adequate funding is crucial for broadening access to treatment options. He expressed gratitude to the Government, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, and the Ghana Health Service for their continued support in tackling malnutrition.
Mr William Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Eleanor Crook Foundation, remarked that Ghana has the potential to lead Africa in eradicating child malnutrition by implementing proven interventions. He noted that the Foundation is equipped with ready-to-use therapeutic foods and improved prenatal vitamins to aid in addressing this challenge. Mr Moore expressed enthusiasm for Ghana's leadership role in Africa regarding malnutrition eradication and affirmed the Foundation's commitment to working with the Government and local NGOs, including WOMEC, to advance child survival initiatives.
Mr Richard Tweneboah-Kodua, Director of Research at the National Development Planning Commission, underscored that nutrition is not solely a health issue but a critical factor in national development. He noted that malnutrition affects educational outcomes, productivity, economic growth, and the population's overall well-being. Mr Tweneboah-Kodua stated that nutrition is a priority within Ghana's development planning framework and that the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (2026-2029) is committed to promoting integrated approaches to address the country's multidimensional development challenges, including nutrition.
Dr Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare, Member of Parliament for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa and Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, reiterated Parliament's dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance nutrition governance, resource allocation, and oversight of programs aimed at reducing malnutrition and improving maternal and child health outcomes. Dr Sandaare also noted that Members of Parliament recognize nutrition as a national development concern, impacting educational attainment, workforce productivity, economic growth, and the nation's overall well-being. He stressed that addressing malnutrition requires sustained political commitment, adequate funding, effective policy implementation, and robust accountability measures.