Health activists in Ghana are amplifying efforts to address iron deficiency, a critical health concern affecting children nationwide. Findings from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reveal that 27% of children were mildly anaemic, 37% moderately anaemic, and 2% severely anaemic, all linked to iron deficiency.
Iron plays a vital role in blood production, cognitive development, and oxygen transport. Mr. Obed Harrison, a Research Assistant at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Ghana, emphasized that iron deficiency could impact children’s future well-being, limiting brain development and stifling potential innovation.
“Iron deficiency, especially in children, risks impeding the cognitive growth of our future leaders,” Mr. Harrison noted. “This trend, if unchecked, may leave Ghana’s future workforce lagging behind their counterparts in the West.”
Mr. Harrison explained that iron is essential for all age groups, particularly for children and pregnant women. He highlighted dietary sources such as legumes, green leafy vegetables, and animal products like liver. He encouraged mothers to prioritize iron-rich foods in their children’s diets.
The iron deficiency rate in Ghana is over 60%, surpassing the global standard of 44%, making it a pressing public health issue. Mr. Harrison urged stakeholders to devise robust measures to reduce the deficiency rate, emphasizing that adequate iron levels can boost brain function.
To support these initiatives, Nestlé Ghana is actively promoting iron-fortified foods and nutrition education. Madam Samantha Wuta-Ofei, Marketing Services Manager at Nestlé Ghana, said the company has fortified products like Milo, Maggi, Cerelac, and various milk products to improve iron intake. Nestlé’s ‘Choose Iron Forum’ and other educational programs aim to raise awareness on iron deficiency and its symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Madam Margaret Mary Tohouenou, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Manager at Nestlé Ghana, advised Ghanaians to monitor iron deficiency symptoms and seek medical consultation when necessary. She encouraged balanced diets, emphasizing the right food combinations to optimize iron intake and support growth.
Through these combined efforts, health activists and organizations like Nestlé Ghana are working to combat iron deficiency, aiming to foster a healthier, more innovative future generation in Ghana.
