The Paediatric Society of Ghana has called on the government to allocate resources to address child malnutrition, stressing its vital importance to national development.
At the Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) in Ho, Volta Region, Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, highlighted the multifaceted impact of malnutrition on society, hindering progress and stunting growth.
Despite various interventions, malnutrition persists as a significant national concern, leading to compromised human capital development, poverty, and inequality. According to Mrs. Boye, malnutrition deprives children of the opportunity to thrive, learn, and contribute to society.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, emphasized the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tackle child malnutrition. He also pointed out that malnutrition is responsible for nearly half of all deaths in children under the age of five, costing Ghana about 6.4% of its GDP annually.
The Minister assured the Paediatric Society and other stakeholders of the government’s commitment to implementing evidence-based interventions to improve child health. This highlights the urgent need for immediate action to address child malnutrition and its detrimental effects on Ghana’s long-term development.
