Editorial
Junk foods put children’s health at risk
The United Nation’s (UN), Child Nutrition Report 2025 indicates that 188 million children now live with obesity globally, a figure that has tripled since 2000.
According to the new report for the first time in recorded history, obesity among school-age children and adolescents has overtaken underweight.
The figures are stark: since 2000, obesity rates have tripled, with 391 million children and adolescents overweight and nearly half of them classified as obese.
This signals a troubling change in global health with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) describing it as a red flag that must not be ignored.
Hitherto, the central concern for children was malnutrition; today, over consumption of junk foods such as pizzas, burgers, fizzy drinks, noodles, etc are emerging as a far greater threat.
Junk foods and fizzy drinks are aggressively marketed across schools, shops and digital platforms thereby displacing the craving for balanced diets.
Childhood obesity is strongly linked to conditions such as type-two diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, among other ailments that were once largely confined to adulthood.
Beyond the human cost, the economic toll is projected to exceed $4 trillion annually by 2035 if urgent steps are not taken.
UNICEF is therefore calling for firm action from government and stakeholders which includes mandatory food labelling, restrictions on advertising to children, and stronger safety nets to ensure families can afford nutritious meals.
These are practical measures that governments can implement. More broadly, there is a need to rethink food environments that currently put profit above children’s health.
It is important to note that underweight has not disappeared, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where malnutrition remains a pressing concern.
But the wider picture now shows obesity as the more dominant challenge across most regions. That dual burden of too little food in some places and too much unhealthy food in others reflects the failures of global food systems.
It is important for parents to include fruits, vegetables and proteins in the meals given to children. This will help support their immune system, prevent disease, and improve their digestive health.
Families alone cannot be expected to fight a tide of advertising, cheap calories and limited access to healthier options.
Governments, industry and communities share responsibility for correcting this course. Regulation, public education and support for affordable alternatives are essential.
Addressing childhood obesity is not simply about diet, it is about safeguarding future generations from preventable diseases and giving them the chance to thrive. The time for action is now.
October is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase attention and support for the early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care of breast cancer.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease’s warning signs, promote regular screenings like mammograms, and provide support for patients and survivors. The pink ribbon serves as a global symbol of hope and support during this time.
So far, organisations have already started reminding women about the importance of breast self-examinations. Free breast cancer screenings are being organised for women, and survivors have also been sharing their experiences to encourage others to know their status.
According to health experts, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in most countries. The majority of women who die from breast cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, where most cases are diagnosed at late stages due to a variety of factors.
Reports indicate that in low- and middle-income countries, the incidence of breast cancer has been rising steadily due to increased life expectancy, changing reproductive patterns, and the adoption of Western lifestyles.
Although breast cancer can often be cured when detected early and when adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, many cases are detected late, making curative treatment no longer an option.
Last weekend, thousands of Ghanaians joined Breast Care International (BCI), a leading breast cancer advocacy organisation, and its partners in a walk through the streets of Kumasi, echoing a resounding message: “No woman should die from breast cancer because she is poor.”
Painting a picture of the ceremony, our reporter indicated that the city — right from the Post Office at Adum to the revered grounds of Manhyia Palace — was covered in pink and white, the colours of breast cancer, as participants marched under the theme, “A Cure Worth Fighting For.”
The Spectator gives a thumbs up to the Founder and President of BCI, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafi Addai, who joined the procession with a sobering message: “Breast cancer can be conquered, but we must fight together and save lives, especially those of young women who die needlessly and prematurely.”
She speaks against the stigma and myths that still surround breast cancer and is particularly vocal about the dangers of misinformation and the belief that the disease is caused by witchcraft.
Another message she shares is that men must stand by their wives during diagnosis and treatment rather than abandon them. She added that although over 2,300 women in Ghana die from breast cancer every year, early detection and prompt treatment save lives.
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Dear Editor,
I write to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the deplorable state of the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra. The facility, which was originally meant to be a safe recreational space for children, has now turned into a source of worry for parents and residents alike.
Most of the play equipment has become obsolete and poses a serious danger to children who use them. The swings and slides are either rusted or damaged, while the seesaws are no longer functional. The park is also poorly maintained, with litter scattered around and overgrown weeds creating an unpleasant environment.
At night, the park becomes a hideout for miscreants due to the absence of lighting and security. Children need safe spaces to play, socialize, and develop, but the current state of the park denies them this opportunity.
I therefore appeal to the municipal authorities, as well as private stakeholders, to urgently renovate and maintain the park. Doing so will not only provide our children with a safe recreational facility but also beautify the community.
I hope this letter will prompt swift action to restore the park to its original purpose.
Kwame Ampiaw
Osu
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