Ghana’s economy loses more than $2 billion yearly due to Child malnutrition. According to the UN’s 2016 Global Nutrition Report, “Under-nutrition among children costs Ghana $2.6bn a year, 6.4% of its GDP”.

“In the Northern Region of Ghana, the report says about thirty (30) percent of children under five years are stunted or chronically malnourished. This not only affects their growth but also their educational development, economic potential, and consequently the future of Ghana,” WFP deputy regional director for West and Central Africa, Margot van der Velden said.

According to the study, under-nutrition increases healthcare costs, causes additional burdens on the educational system, and lowers productivity of its workforce.

Malnutrition is a situation in which there is an insufficient intake of essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, mineral salts, in children during pregnancy and in the first two years of their life.

However, “losses in the economy can be avoided, via strategic interventions”, the report indicates. To achieve this, Ghana must develop partnerships with key actors, especially those in the private sector as well as non-governmental actors, to fight global under-nutrition.

Alain Okpeitcha (Intern)