The Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region is grappling with a severe malnutrition and healthcare crisis following recent conflicts and disturbances in the area.
Even before the outbreak of violence, malnutrition rates among children under five were on the rise. Now, over 5,000 children are reported to be suffering from malnutrition, with many severely affected. As families flee the conflict zones, the risk of food shortages and poor nutrition has intensified.
In response, the Nkwanta South Municipal Health Directorate, in collaboration with the Ghana Ambulance Service, has conducted screenings and weighed over 1,000 children under five to identify those most at risk.
Speaking with Adom News, Municipal Chief Executive Joseph Antwi Awal explained that many families have been displaced due to the conflict, losing access to essential services such as nutritious food, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.
“Malnutrition severely hampers the growth, development, and survival of children,” Mr. Awal noted. He added that over 70% of the local population, mostly farmers, have been affected, leading to food insecurity, displacement, and extreme poverty, as many are no longer able to cultivate their farms.
The MCE stressed that the screening exercise aims to support these vulnerable children and called on benevolent organizations to assist with essential drugs, food, and logistical support to improve living conditions in the municipality.
Senior Nutrition Officer at Nkwanta Municipal Hospital, Nancy Dogoe, supported by Unicom Chemist, educated mothers on the importance of providing nutritious meals to prevent malnutrition. She also urged families not to attribute malnutrition to spiritual causes, emphasizing that it is treatable with proper nutrition.
The children screened received medications, nutrient supplements such as Tom Brown, and other essential nutrients. Nancy Dogoe appealed for government and individual support to help reduce the rising number of malnutrition cases.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Officer Dereck Krontang highlighted the importance of collaborating with the Municipal Health Directorate to raise awareness about the campaign. “Our role goes beyond transporting patients; we also act as agents of change, as most emergency cases we encounter are linked to malnutrition,” he said, advising parents to provide their children with the best possible nutrition for healthy growth.
