Tempane: World Vision (WV) Ghana has intensified its advocacy for every child's right to sufficient food and nutrition with the launch of a new initiative dubbed 'ENOUGH' in the Tempane District in the Upper East Region. The three-year campaign, rolled out nationally in 2024, reinforces World Vision Ghana's commitment to combating child hunger and malnutrition by aligning efforts with the Government of Ghana and other partners.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is a strong call to action, demanding an end to child hunger and improved access to nutritious food as a basic right for every child. Mr. Joseph Edwin Yelkabong, Bawku Cluster Area Programme Manager, World Vision Ghana, highlighted that across Sub-Saharan Africa, children continued to face issues of hunger and malnutrition, exacerbated by conflict, the aftershocks of COVID-19, cost of living, income inequality, and climate change.
Data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey indicates that 18 percent of children in the country are stunted, 12 percent are underweight, and nearly half suffer from various levels of anaemia. The Cluster Manager emphasized that the campaign was a response to these disturbing statistics and called on all stakeholders to address the challenges. 'These figures are far above WHO standards, and they reflect a crisis we must tackle urgently,' Mr. Yelkabong stated.
Mrs. Barbara Amegavie, Campaigns Coordinator at World Vision Ghana, noted that access to food and proper nutrition was a non-negotiable right of every child. The campaign aims to scale up food production and consumption at the household level and push for systemic improvements in child nutrition support, particularly through school feeding programs. 'ENOUGH will build on our existing Healthy Environment and Wellness (HEAL) and Livelihood Enhancement and Family Empowerment (LIFE) programmes to strengthen food and nutrition security at the grassroots,' she said.
World Vision Ghana plans to partner with key institutions such as the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, and the Department of Agriculture in the implementation process, employing community engagement activities like food demonstrations and gardening initiatives to promote the use and consumption of locally sourced, nutritious foods. The project will also focus on water and sanitation to ensure hygiene practices.
Mr. Ibrahim Jamal Deen, Tempane District Director of the Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of increased food production in reducing food prices and enhancing access to food and nutrition. He pledged support for the ENOUGH initiative, urging residents to embrace government agriculture programs. Mr. Joseph Mbila, the Tempane District Chief Executive, commended World Vision Ghana's efforts and called on all stakeholders to rally behind the campaign.
The occasion also recognized schools that excelled in World Vision Ghana's WASH league table, further promoting the organization's commitment to addressing hunger and malnutrition among children.
