CAPHA commends government’s bold nutrition commitments, urges swift action

The Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA) has praised the Government of Ghana. The government has prioritized maternal and child nutrition in its 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Commitments.

These pledges were presented at the recent N4G Summit in Paris. CAPHA noted that these commitments align with its appeal from December 2024. This appeal urged the government to address issues like stunting, anaemia, low birth weight, and poor dietary diversity.

CAPHA welcomed the ambitious targets in Commitment 1. These include halving stunting in children under five and reducing anaemia in women by 50%. The commitment also aims to lower low birth weight by 30% and increase exclusive breastfeeding to 70%.

“These are bold targets,” CAPHA stated. They align with World Health Assembly Nutrition Goals and represent progress against nutrition challenges.

Additionally, CAPHA praised Commitment 7. This commitment focuses on implementing strategies to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. The government will make multiple micronutrient supplements a standard part of antenatal care.

“This intervention can greatly improve maternal and fetal health outcomes,” said CAPHA.

Another important point is Commitment 5. It seeks to extend maternity leave from 12 weeks to at least 18 weeks across all sectors. CAPHA called this a “progressive shift” that supports exclusive breastfeeding and enhances maternal recovery.

Commitment 2 was also recognized for focusing on Ghana’s National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. This includes public education campaigns, training for professionals, eliminating industrial trans fats, and adopting nutrition labeling systems.

Despite these commitments, CAPHA stressed the need for quick implementation to ensure real impact. The coalition urged the government to allocate sufficient funding as promised in Commitment 9.

This commitment includes at least USD 6 million annually for nutrition commodities. “We call on the government to move beyond declarations,” CAPHA said. Strong coordination and accountability systems will be essential.

The organization reaffirmed its support for the government’s efforts. It remains committed to advocating for maternal and child nutrition as a national development priority.