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The Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA) is urging the Government of Ghana to make ambitious and impactful commitments on maternal and child nutrition as the country prepares its agenda for the upcoming Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit.
Recognizing the crucial role of nutrition in national development, CAPHA calls for strong policy, coverage, and financial commitments, particularly in the areas of wasting treatment and multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women.
In Ghana, the prevalence of undernutrition among children under five years old remains a significant concern, with stunting rates around 18% and wasting at 7%. These indicators highlight the urgent need for dedicated resources to combat malnutrition and improve maternal and child health.
Malnutrition during pregnancy and early childhood impairs a child’s development, often leading to lower educational attainment and decreased productivity in adulthood. These developmental setbacks contribute to a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for families to break free from economic hardship. Addressing the challenge of malnutrition requires urgent government action, backed by concrete financial and policy commitments.
CAPHA strongly recommends that the government of Ghana commits to increasing the coverage of wasting treatment services nationwide. This includes scaling up access to ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) and ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped to identify and manage cases of acute malnutrition effectively.
In addition, CAPHA urges the government to integrate multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) into national health policies and expand its availability for pregnant women, given its proven benefits in reducing the risk of low birth weight and improving maternal health.
Furthermore, CAPHA emphasizes the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to support these initiatives. The Coalition calls on the government to deliberately include specific commitments on financing for wasting treatment and MMS, ensuring adequate resources are allocated to enhance coverage, policy implementation, and program sustainability.
The government should allocate dedicated resources in the national budget and explore innovative financing models, including partnerships with development agencies, health taxes (including food-related fiscal policies), and private sector stakeholders. Ensuring long-term funding for maternal and child nutrition programs will be essential in achieving the country’s nutrition and health targets.
As Ghana finalizes its commitments for the N4G Summit, CAPHA stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, development partners, and civil society organizations to advocate for comprehensive nutrition policies that protect the most vulnerable.
The coalition urges the government to seize this opportunity to demonstrate leadership in maternal and child nutrition, reaffirming its commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.
The Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA) is a network of organizations committed to advancing public health policies and interventions that improve the well-being of Ghanaians. CAPHA engages in evidence-based advocacy, policy dialogue, and multi-sectoral collaborations to address key public health challenges in the country.
