Health and Nutrition for children in Ghana.
In Ghana, one out of every thirteen children dies before turning five, and approximately half of these deaths are attributed to malnutrition. Compared to well-nourished kids, malnourished children are much more inclined to pass away from common horrible diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and complications from HIV. Long-term repercussions of undernourishment include decreased physical and psychological performance.
For example, if no interventions are implemented, it is predicted that stunting will cost Ghana approximately 5 billion cedis (US$3.5 billion) in lost economic productivity by 2020. Additionally, on the rise is overnutrition, which can lead to various diet-related illnesses like diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and heart disease.
Why Are Children Suffering From Malnutrition In Ghana?
Those who are highly impacted by malnourishment are women and small children. The Demographic and Health 2008 Study states that Ghana’s most recent comprehensive survey revealed that: Three in ten young children are short for their age (stunted), and roughly one in seven is underweight, which lowers physical capability and performance. One in twelve kids is wasted, and 2% have severe cases that increase their risk for sickness and mortality. Due to inadequate iron levels, over 8 out of 10 kids under five are weak, adversely affecting cognition, brain growth, and efficiency.
In Ghana, the issue of anemia affects approximately 7 out of 10 women that are pregnant, which increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality, low weight of a newborn, and difficulties during childbirth and pregnancy. The mother’s diet significantly influences a child’s body weight at birth and nutritional status and well-being during the first two years of their lives.
A child’s likelihood of dying and their risk of malnutrition during infancy and childhood increase when they are born in Ghana one in ten times underweight. A kid must have appropriate nourishment for the 1,000 days between conception and their second birthday, known as the “moment of opportunity.” Due to lack of Nutrition during pregnancy, irrecoverable and long-term health issues impact a child’s body growth and mental health.
Our Efforts and Mission
We aim to improve the health and food conditions of kids in Ghana. As kids are the future of Ghana, we aim to help the most vulnerable families in Ghana. Using the World Vision Ghana Operation, our team and we focus our charity efforts on significantly improving nutritional arrangements and health conditions.
We are working towards our mission by ensuring the following actions:
1. Malnutrition must be decreased, particularly among the most vulnerable children, especially those under the under-five age category.
2. All children and mothers who have given birth or are pregnant must be provided with proper Nutrition and an appropriately healthy environment.
3. Maternal deaths and malnutrition diseases must be reduced in percentage in five years.
4. All children, especially the most vulnerable, must benefit from the policies implemented to strengthen local healthcare arrangements and structures.
