A nutritionist at the Nkwanta South Government Hospital in the Oti Region has urged the government to step up investment in maternal and child nutrition, warning that preventable malnutrition cases are on the rise due to limited funding and weak support systems.
Speaking to Adom News, Nancy Dogoe highlighted that the growing number of malnutrition cases among children in Nkwanta South reflects a nationwide challenge, where policy commitments are often undermined by inadequate budget allocations and delayed disbursements.
“Districts and municipalities cannot fight malnutrition effectively without proper funding from the national level,” she said, explaining that health teams frequently struggle to maintain essential services when resources are insufficient or late.
She noted that nutrition programs are most affected when funding is not prioritised, impacting outreach activities, screening, counselling, supplementation, and continuous care for vulnerable mothers and children.
Dogoe emphasized that strengthening Maternal and Child Nutrition (MCN) is vital to Ghana’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s Nutrition for Growth (N4G) commitments.
“Investing in nutrition is not only a health imperative but also a national development strategy. Proper maternal and child nutrition enhances learning outcomes, productivity, and long-term economic growth,” she added.
The nutritionist also called for inclusive access to nutrition services, stressing that no mother or child should be denied basic support due to lack of funding.
“In essence, the true measure of a nation’s strength is reflected in how well it protects and supports mothers and children, especially in communities where poverty and limited access make families more vulnerable,” Dogoe stated.
She appealed to the government and development partners to prioritise nutrition interventions, arguing that the decisions made today to nourish children will shape Ghana’s workforce and future prosperity.
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