Nutrition
A healthy nation: Why maternal and child nutrition must be a national priority
Every hour, two Ghanaian children die from nutrition-related causes, deaths that are entirely preventable with the right investments. Yet, nutrition continues to receive less than 0.4 per cent of Ghana’s health budget. As donor funding declines, the future of maternal and child nutrition in Ghana hangs in the balance.
The first 1,000 days of life, thus, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, are the most critical for human development. Poor nutrition during this crucial window can lead to irreversible harm, including cognitive delays, weakened immunity, poor school performance, and limited earning potential. Ghana loses over GH¢4.6 billion each year to malnutrition through lost productivity and increased healthcare costs, yet essential nutrition interventions remain underfunded or reliant on external donors.
Research has shown that up to 60 per cent of Ghana’s nutrition programming is funded externally. The withdrawal of USAID alone threatens a funding shortfall of $156 million, including significant cuts to maternal and child health programmes, nutrition supplements, mobile clinics, and support for treating severe acute malnutrition. Over a million children may lose access to vital care as a result.
Policy and structural gaps further compound the crisis. Ghana lacks laws enforcing nutrition standards for pregnant women and young children. Nutrition is poorly integrated into national development plans and receives fragmented support across ministries.
To change current trends, Ghana must honor its pledge of allocating USD 6 million annually, made at the recent Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, for the procurement of essential nutrition commodities. Achieving this requires establishing a dedicated budget line for nutrition, enhancing coordination across sectors, and strengthening domestic resource mobilization efforts.
Women, Media and Change, a national Non-governmental Organization, is committed to supporting advocacy on malnutrition under its project “Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition”. The initiative seeks to strengthen national policies on nutrition and ensure that decision makers prioritise investment in high-impact nutrition interventions
Nutrition is not charity; it is a right. A nourished child today becomes a healthy, productive citizen tomorrow.
Ingredients
-2 cups of cooked rice
-Oil
-2 pounds of fresh lobsters
-1/2 tablespoonful of grinded ginger
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 onion
1 cup frozen peas
-3 large carrots
-3 eggs
-3 tablespoonful of soy sauce
-2 tablespoonful of diced green onions
Preparation
-Cut lobsters into bite-sized pieces and toss for 2minutes.
-Put a saucepan on fire and add a tablespoonful of oil.
-Stir in diced onion, garlic, peas, carrots and other vegetables.
-Add rice and stir to coat. Stir occasionally until rice is warmed through.
-Add soy sauce to the rice and stir well
-Remove from heat and serve.
Benefits of Lobsters
Snack (Baobab drink)
Ingredients
-Condensed milk
-5 tablespoonful of honey (optional)
-1 teaspoonful of flavour (vanilla or strawberry essence)
Preparation
-Place 2 tablespoonful of baobab powder in a bowl and mix with water.
-Set mixture aside for it to dissolve properly.
-Sieve the baobab mixture to remove lumps and fibre for a smooth drink.
– Add honey or sugar, milk and flavour to your taste.
-Best served chilled.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Lobster is a nutritious seafood that provides several health benefits. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy nutrients that support the proper functioning of the body.
– Builds and repairs body tissues: Lobster is rich in high-quality protein, which helps build muscles and repair damaged tissues.
-Supports brain health: It contains vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy nerves and supports proper brain function.
Strengthens the immune system: Lobster contains zinc and selenium, minerals that help the body fight infections and protect cells.
– Promotes healthy bones: It provides phosphorus and some calcium, which contribute to strong bones and teeth.
–Supports heart health: Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help support cardiovascular health.
–Prevents anaemia: Its vitamin B12 and iron content help the body produce healthy red blood cells.
–Supports thyroid function: Lobster contains iodine, which the thyroid gland needs to produce hormones that regulate metabolism.
–Helps maintain healthy skin: Its protein and zinc contribute to skin growth, repair and maintenance.
Supports energy production: Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins help the body convert food into energy.
Helps maintain healthy muscles: Its protein and potassium support muscle function and maintenance.Health.com
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