Celebrating World Children's Day: World Vision Ghana urges government to address challenges of hunger and malnutrition in the country

By: Francis Npong

World Vision Ghana has called on the Government of Ghana to take action to ensure that children have access to sufficient, nutritious food. "No child should go to bed hungry. Allowing this to happen will have a huge negative impact on the future of the nation's human resources, productivity and economic growth".

Mr Gregory Dery, Child Protection and Advocacy Manager at World Vision Ghana, in a statement during the commemoration of the World Children's Day, said "enough is enough of inaction" and called on government, civil society, businesses and the general public to come together to address the malnutrition crisis among children under the age of five.

World Children's Day 2023 was celebrated under the theme: "For every child, every right", which includes the right to adequate and nutritious food. "All children in Ghana deserve better and the interests of every child everywhere must be upheld," the statement added.

Data from World Vision Ghana's survey shows that Ghana faces the triple burden of malnutrition (underweight, overweight and micronutrient malnutrition). According to the data, 1 in 10 children is wasted and 2 in 10 children are stunted. This calls for urgent action to prevent children from suffering from chronic malnutrition, which can affect their health and growth, including brain development.

The statement says that while Ghana has made progress in promoting children's rights, ensuring access to sufficient nutritious food for all children is critical to sustaining the gains made so far.

"Government must work to ensure safe and secure communities in which children can thrive. We have noted deliberate efforts by successive governments to strengthen children's rights through policies and legislation, including the establishment of coordination mechanisms. Without adequate food and nutrition, children will continue to suffer injustice and their development will be compromised.

“While we celebrate the government’s achievements, we are also mindful of some challenges children face, particularly in rural and urban poor communities. The impact of the global food crisis, COVID-19, and climate change has resulted in increased violence against children, child labour and child marriage,” the statement added.

World Vision recently launched a global campaign called “ENOUGH” to address food and nutrition security issues affecting children.

World Vision Ghana is a Christian relief, advocacy, and development organisation focused on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience the fullness of life.