At least two children have died from malnutrition in the Bawku Municipality of northern Ghana, with 65 new cases reported in 2024. The ongoing conflict in the region has severely impacted food security, leaving many families struggling to meet their nutritional needs.

According to local health authorities, the number of malnutrition cases has surged in recent years, with 297 cases recorded in 2023. Bathomio Asigri, the Bawku Municipal Health Nutrition Officer, attributed the rise in cases to the disruption of trade in the area. Bawku, once a key business hub, has seen a decline in economic activity, affecting the ability of families to access sufficient and nutritious food.

“Over the past three years, the reduction in trading activities has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of local families, leading to fewer meals and, consequently, higher rates of malnutrition,” said Asigri. “The conflict has made it harder for people to maintain their usual food intake, which is reflected in the increasing number of cases we are recording.”

In addition to malnutrition, there have also been reports of anaemia among pregnant women in the area. Surveys conducted by health authorities have shown that the number of meals consumed per day has decreased in affected communities, further contributing to the growing nutritional crisis.

Malnutrition, which can manifest as undernutrition or deficiencies in essential nutrients, continues to pose a serious threat to public health in the region, with vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women most at risk.

Source:TheDotNews