Understanding the Double Burden of Malnutrition in Ghana
Ghana is experiencing a dual nutritional challenge, often termed the 'double burden of malnutrition'. On one hand, persistent issues of undernutrition, particularly among young children, continue to challenge public health efforts. On the other, the country faces a rapid increase in overnutrition, leading to higher rates of overweight, obesity, and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in both adults and children. Addressing the complex prevalence of malnutrition in Ghana requires a comprehensive approach that targets both ends of this nutritional spectrum.
The Prevalence of Undernutrition
Undernutrition in Ghana primarily affects children under five and women of childbearing age, manifesting as stunting, wasting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Child Undernutrition
Based on the 2011 MICS, 22.7% of children under five were stunted, 6.2% were wasted, and 13.4% were underweight. While national figures for some indicators have improved over the long term, stunting rates have been more resistant to change. Wasting also shows regional variations. Children in rural areas tend to have higher rates of undernutrition than those in urban areas.
Micronutrient Deficiencies
Micronutrient deficiencies are a significant public health issue, impacting women and children. Historically, anemia, largely due to iron deficiency and malaria, was highly prevalent in young children and women of reproductive age. Deficiencies in Vitamin A and Iodine were also notable, although interventions are in place.
Key Risk Factors for Undernutrition
Several factors contribute to undernutrition:
- Poverty: Low income is consistently linked to higher rates of stunting and wasting. Recent economic challenges have increased the risk of food insecurity.
- Regional Disparities: Northern regions and the Central Region historically show the highest rates of stunting and wasting, often associated with food insecurity.
- Maternal Education: Lower education levels in mothers are a key risk factor for childhood malnutrition.
- Poor Sanitation: Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation is strongly linked to malnutrition due to increased disease susceptibility.
- Household Factors: Larger households and limited access to resources like farmland also increase risk.
The Rise of Overnutrition
Alongside undernutrition, Ghana faces increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and related NCDs. This trend is fueled by changing lifestyles, urbanization, and diets higher in processed foods. Addressing this is a growing health priority.
Comparison of Undernutrition and Overnutrition in Ghana
| Feature | Undernutrition | Overnutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence | Significant, especially in children (e.g., stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies). | A rapidly rising problem, especially in adults, including overweight and obesity. |
| Geographic Variation | Pronounced regional disparities, with highest rates often in northern regions. | Likely higher in urban areas where lifestyles have shifted and diets contain more processed foods. |
| Key Affected Groups | Children under five, women of childbearing age, and poor households. | Increasingly common in adults and also rising among children. |
| Main Causes | Poverty, food insecurity, poor sanitation, infectious disease, inadequate care/feeding practices. | Consumption of energy-dense foods (high sugar/fat), reduced physical activity, urbanization. |
| Consequences | Stunted growth, developmental delays, increased mortality risk, reduced economic productivity. | Increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. |
Interventions to Combat Malnutrition
Ghana has implemented various interventions:
- National Nutrition Policy: Provides a framework for action.
- Micronutrient Supplementation: Providing Vitamin A to children and Iron/Folic Acid to women.
- Community Programs: Initiatives like C-IYCN educate caregivers on feeding practices.
- School Feeding: Provides nutritious meals to school children.
- Food Security: Programs like 'Planting for Food and Jobs' aim to boost agriculture.
- Sanitation Promotion: Improving WASH infrastructure to reduce diseases.
Conclusion
Addressing the multifaceted prevalence of malnutrition in Ghana requires a multi-sectoral approach tackling both undernutrition and rising overnutrition. Despite progress, disparities and increasing diet-related diseases underscore the need for continued, targeted interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations and regions. The significant economic and social costs of malnutrition highlight the importance of investing in health literacy, food security, and sanitation for Ghana's future. For further information, refer to the Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA).
References
Ghana Statistical Services. Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA). statsghana.gov.gh. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://statsghana.gov.gh/gssmain/fileUpload/pressrelease/Comprehensive%20Food%20Security%20and%20Vulnerability%20Analysis%20(CFSVA).pdf Ghana Ministry of Health. National Nutrition Policy For Ghana. faolex.fao.org. 2015. [Online]. Available: https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/gha145267.pdf Miah RW, Apanga PA, Abdul-Haq Z. (2016) Risk Factors for Undernutrition in Children under Five Years Old: Evidence from the 2011 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. ResearchGate. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304883467_Risk_Factors_for_Undernutrition_in_Children_under_Five_Years_Old_Evidence_from_the_2011_Ghana_Multiple_Indicator_Survey Scaling Up Nutrition. Ghana has been losing 6.4 percent of its GDP due to child undernutrition. scalingupnutrition.org. Aug 02, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://scalingupnutrition.org/news/ghana-has-been-losing-64-percent-its-gdp-due-child-undernutrition The Borgen Project. UN Report Shows Malnutrition Hurts Ghana's Economy. borgenproject.org. Sep 05, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://borgenproject.org/malnutrition-hurts-ghanas-economy/
