World Vision Ghana has launched the ENOUGH campaign aimed at combating child hunger and malnutrition in the Upper West Region. The initiative, which spans three years, seeks to raise awareness and influence policy on hunger, nutrition, and food security at all levels to ensure that children’s needs are prioritised.
The ENOUGH campaign is being implemented across 35 communities in the Wa East and Wa West Districts and is funded by World Vision International. Its primary objective is to address the health and developmental issues arising from hunger and malnutrition, particularly in children.
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The Impact of Hunger and Malnutrition
During the campaign launch in Wechiau, Wa West District, Mr. Sergious Before, Wa Cluster Programmes Manager for World Vision Ghana, emphasised the profound effects of hunger and malnutrition on children. He explained that inadequate nutrition not only hampers children’s physical health but also stunts brain development, directly impacting their educational outcomes.
Mr. Before also highlighted the multiple factors that exacerbate these issues, including communal conflicts, poverty, and climate change, which affect food production, availability, and affordability. Despite progress in reducing child stunting from 33% in 1993 to 17% in 2022, a significant number of children still face food insecurity. According to UNICEF, 2.4 million children under five years old continue to live in food poverty.
World Vision Ghana’s Efforts to Combat Malnutrition
To combat these issues, World Vision Ghana has provided essential support to the Wa West District, including the donation of 50 boxes of prenatal multivitamin supplements, which have benefited over 4,000 pregnant women. The organisation also distributed 5,000 vitamin A tablets to Wa West and 3,000 to Wa East, as well as rehabilitating 36 malnourished children in collaboration with the Wa West District Health Directorate since 2024.
Encouraging Nutritional Awareness and Sustainable Practices
Ms. Barbara Asare, the ENOUGH Campaign Coordinator at WVG, encouraged the local community to utilise locally available food, such as beans and leafy vegetables, to provide nutritious meals for children. She emphasised that these affordable and accessible foods could make a significant impact on improving children’s nutrition in the region.
The campaign aims to reach 12.5 million children through improved services and policy implementation, directly providing nutritious food to 1.3 million children, and supporting 3.5 million parents and caregivers with better agricultural practices. The ENOUGH initiative also aims to influence policies in areas like health and nutrition, food security, climate-smart agriculture, and social protection.
Support from Local Leaders and Stakeholders
Mr. Richard Wulo, the Wa West District Chief Executive, highlighted the ENOUGH campaign as a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure every child has access to nutritious food, quality healthcare, and growth opportunities. He reaffirmed the district assembly’s commitment to supporting the campaign and collaborating with World Vision Ghana to improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable children and their families.
Naa Imoru Nandong Gomah II, the Paramount Chief of Wechiau Traditional Area, also expressed support for the campaign. He encouraged other chiefs to release fertile land for schools to cultivate food, helping to feed children within the community.
Engaging the Community in the Campaign
The campaign launch included an exhibition showcasing nutrition-rich foods, such as tumpani and tuozaafi, accompanied by a green vegetable sauce. A drama was also performed, illustrating the detrimental impact of hunger on children’s education. Stakeholders, including the Wa East District Chief Executive, traditional leaders from the Wa East District, and representatives from the Ghana Health Services and the Departments of Agriculture from both districts, signed a commitment to support the ENOUGH campaign.
A Collective Effort to End Child Hunger
World Vision Ghana’s ENOUGH campaign is a vital initiative aimed at tackling child hunger and malnutrition in the Upper West Region. By bringing together local leaders, organisations, and communities, the campaign is working to ensure children receive the nutrition they need to thrive, while also influencing broader policy changes to address food security challenges. Through collaborative efforts, World Vision Ghana hopes to build a healthier future for children and families in the region.
