Nutrition Situation in Ghana

Disparities exist in the nutritional and food security situation in Ghana. Key nutritional problems in Ghana are micronutrient deficiencies and childhood malnutrition which are associated with poor diet quality among children and women in rural communities.  Vit A, iron, and iodine deficiencies among children are particularly of major public health concerns per WHO's standards.

Childhood Nutrition

The national prevalence of chronic malnutrition (stunting) is 19% but highest in the northern region 33%. Children with mothers having low education or from the lowest wealth quintiles experience higher rates of stunting. Only 15% of breastfed children from 6-23months received a minimum acceptable diets and the prevalence of anemia among children between 6-59 months is 66% which is of major public health concern according to the WHO threshold.

Women of Reproductive ( WRA; Age 15-49)

The prevalence of anemia among WRA is 42%. Adolescents (15-19years) experience a higher prevalence of anemia compared to older women (30-39 years) 48% and 39% respectively. There is a similar prevalence of anemia among pregnant and lactating mothers (45%).  Adolescents are at higher risk of malnutrition and are more likely to have low birth weight babies, who are also at a higher risk of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortalities compared to babies born to older mothers.

Role of MotherFood in supporting women’s livelihood and nutrition in Ghana

MotherFood international (MFI) in partnership with World Vision Ghana works with women entrepreneurs in Asante-Akim north to develop fortified bars. These bars are made with locally available ingredients to bring sustainable solutions to women and children’s nutrition, livelihood supports, and empowerment for women. MFI is also working with CAMFED Ghana to support entrepreneurship and women empowerment among young women across Ghana.

References

1. USAID (2018) Ghana: Nutrition profile

2. Nti, C. A. (2008). Household dietary practices and family nutritional status in rural Ghana. Nutrition research and practice.

3. Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and ICF International. 2015. Ghana