The Republic of Ghana has lost some 4.6
billion Cedis (GHC) to child undernutrition says the latest report on the Cost
of Hunger in Africa tagged the "Social and Economic Impact of Child
Undernutrition on Ghana’s Long-Term Development (COHA)” reports NaijaAgroNet.
It also showed that vast amounts
being lost through increased healthcare costs, with additional burdens on the
education system and lower productivity by its workforce.
The report also noted that the
consequences of stunting which involves low height for age are of particular
concern. The study explained that stunting occurs when children miss out on
critical nutrients including proteins, vitamins and minerals, while in the womb
and in the first two years of life. This is compounded by diseases and poor
hygiene practices.
According to People affected by
stunting face lifelong consequences starting in childhood such as frequent
illness, poor school performance, having to repeat classes or dropping out
altogether, and low workplace productivity.
Among other findings, NaijaAgroNet also revealed from the
COHA report include that:
•
37 per cent of the adult population in Ghana suffered from stunting as
children;
• 24 per cent of all child mortality cases in Ghana are associated with undernutrition;
• child mortality associated with undernutrition has reduced Ghana’s workforce by 7.3 per cent.
• 24 per cent of all child mortality cases in Ghana are associated with undernutrition;
• child mortality associated with undernutrition has reduced Ghana’s workforce by 7.3 per cent.
Ghana has made some progress in improving child nutrition
over the past two decades, reducing chronic malnutrition or stunting from 23 to
19 percent. However, this study highlights the critical need for further
progress.
Dr. Margaret Agama Nyetei, the African Union Commission’s
Head of Health, Nutrition and Population Division, said the issue was vital to
the AU’s vision and action plan for the next 50 years, known as Agenda 2063.
“At the African Union, we believe that the
realisation of Agenda 2063 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) will not be possible without fully harnessing the potential of all
sectors of the population and this includes our children,” she said.
“The goal of eliminating stunting is key to achieving Zero
Hunger, Sustainable Development Goal 2,” said Thomas Yanga, Director of the
World Food Programme Africa Office. “The losses to the economy can be averted
through strategic interventions which ensure adequate nutrition for mothers and
young children” she said.
The
Director, Social Development Policy Division at the Economic Commission for
Africa, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, was quoted in a press statement made available to
NaijaAgroNet that stunting is not just a health issue, but needs to be
addressed through a multi-sectoral approach and prioritised in all development
programmes from community to national level.
“Ensuring a generation free from malnutrition requires significant investments in nutrition strategies and interventions. There is therefore a need for Ghana to forge strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly the private sector and non-state actors, to combat undernutrition holistically,” Prof. Manuh said.
“Ensuring a generation free from malnutrition requires significant investments in nutrition strategies and interventions. There is therefore a need for Ghana to forge strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly the private sector and non-state actors, to combat undernutrition holistically,” Prof. Manuh said.
For the World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Regional Director
for West and Central Africa, Margot van der Velden said that in the Northern
Region of Ghana, 30 percent of children under five are stunted or chronically
malnourished.
“This not only affects their growth
but also their educational development and economic potential, and consequently
the future of the country,” van der Velden said.
NaijaAgroNet recalls that the COHA report was led by the African Union Commission (AUC), in
partnership with African governments, the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA); the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and the United Nations World Food
Programme (WFP). While
studies have so far
taken place in Egypt, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Malawi and
Rwanda, and are
due to be carried out in
Chad, Lesotho, Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritania. ... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology