Nutrition
The Hidden Hunger: Why Eating Enough Isn’t the Same as Eating Well
Feature Article by Women, Media and Change (WOMEC)
In bustling markets across Ghana, traders call out over heaps of rice, yam, and maize. For many households, these staples represent security—a sign that no one will go to bed hungry.
Yet behind this apparent abundance lies a hidden crisis: hidden hunger, a silent form of malnutrition caused not by lack of food, but by lack of essential nutrients. Hidden hunger affects millions, especially women and children, weakening the body, dulling the mind, and limiting human potential.
The tragedy is that it thrives not because we lack solutions, but because our systems fail to prioritise nutrition. Despite several government initiatives, from the National Nutrition Policy (2016–2020) to food fortification programmes, progress remains slow. Implementation is inconsistent, coordination among ministries is weak, and public investment in nutrition is still below the global minimum target. Meanwhile, imported junk foods continue to flood the market unchecked, while local farmers struggle to market healthy indigenous crops like millet, sorghum, and moringa.
Nutrition is not just a health issue—it’s a development and governance issue. When ministries and local assemblies fail to integrate nutrition into agricultural planning, education, and poverty reduction strategies, the result is a cycle of poor diets and poor health outcomes.
At Women, Media and Change (WOMEC), we believe that nutrition should be treated with the same urgency as any national emergency. Through media advocacy and public engagement, WOMEC continues to push for transparency in nutrition governance and for stronger community voices in decision-making.
Ending hidden hunger requires more than awareness—it demands decisive action from policymakers. Nutrition must move from the margins of development planning to the centre of national policy. When governance supports good nutrition, the results go far beyond full stomachs: we build a healthier, smarter, and more productive nation.
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
1⁄3 cup light soy sauce
1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoonsfuls of lemon pepper seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 kilogram of pork fat removed
Method
-Mix all marinade ingredients (light soy sauce, lemon, pepper seasoning, and garlic).
-Marinate pork for at least two hours.
-Remove from marinade and cook over medium-high heat on a greased grill
-After two minutes grilling on a side, rotate chops 45 degrees for even cooking
-Turn over when juices pool on upper surface and meat appears to be cooked half-way through
-Don’t grill the pork for more than 15 minutes
Chicken avocado salad is a fresh, nutritious meal that combines tender grilled chicken with creamy avocado and crisp vegetables.
It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for lunch or a light dinner. The simple lemon dressing enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce or spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes,
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
-Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then grill or pan-fry over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
-Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
-In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped herbs.
-Gently add the diced avocado to the salad to avoid mashing it.
-In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon or lime juice (if using), salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
-Add the sliced chicken to the salad, drizzle with the dressing, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
-Serve immediately as a healthy main course, or pair it with crusty bread or whole-grain crackers for a more filling meal.
