Nutrition
The Life-Saving Power of RUTF and Why It Matters for Ghana’s Children
Introduction:
Malnutrition has quietly become one of Ghana’s most urgent public health threats. Though it may not always dominate headlines like infectious diseases, its effects on children under five are devastating, impacting physical growth, cognitive development, academic potential, and long-term productivity.
What is RUTF?
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is a groundbreaking innovation in treating malnutrition. Each sachet contains a scientifically formulated blend of energy, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, compacted into a highly absorbable paste.
Malnourished children often have weak digestive systems, making it difficult for their bodies to process ordinary foods or hospital diets. RUTF bypasses these challenges, delivering nutrients in a form the body can immediately use for healing and rebuilding.
Rapid Impact and Benefits:
- Energy levels rise, appetite returns, and weight gain is often noticeable within days.
- Helps prevent complications such as infections, stunting, and developmental delays.
- Can be administered safely at home, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
- Frees health facilities to focus on the most critical cases.
Effectiveness:
Studies across Africa show recovery rates of over 80% when RUTF is used correctly. By shortening recovery time, children return to normal growth patterns, rejoin school, and regain the vitality necessary for healthy development.
Why It Matters for Ghana:
RUTF is more than a medical intervention—it’s an investment in the nation’s future. Children who recover from severe malnutrition are more likely to thrive academically, contribute economically, and grow into healthier adults.
The long-term social and economic benefits ripple far beyond households, strengthening Ghana’s human capital and making RUTF a strategic national priority.
By: Women, Media and Change – Nourish Ghana Project
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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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