In a recent statement, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has voiced its concerns about the increasing rates of obesity and overweight among children in the country. Mr Joseph Owusu Asante, a nutritionist at the Nutrition Unit of the Bono Regional Health Directorate, has attributed this worrying trend to over-nutrition and has urged families to take a proactive role in managing the eating habits of their children.
Describing the situation as alarming, Mr Asante emphasized the importance of parents being vigilant about their children’s weight, as neglecting to do so could lead to health issues later in life. He highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in promoting healthy growth and development, noting the region’s successes in achieving high rates of continued breastfeeding at one year and exclusive breastfeeding at three months.
Mr Asante also emphasized the importance of Vitamin “A” supplementation for children between six and five years old, as Vitamin “A” deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable child blindness. While the coverage for children aged 6-11 months has been good, children aged 12-59 months are not receiving adequate supplementation.
On the topic of immunization, Dr Quarshie explained the significance of the Annual Vaccination Week (AVW) established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote immunization as a lifesaving intervention. The Child Health Promotion Week (CHPW) introduced by the Ministry of Health focuses on improving child survival rates through nutrition, immunization, and preventive care for children under five years old.
It is evident that more needs to be done to address the rising rates of obesity and overweight among children in Ghana. It is crucial for parents to prioritize healthy eating habits and to ensure that their children receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. By working together with healthcare providers, we can create a healthier future for the next
Ghanaflare.com
