Journalists urged to champion nutrition and public health advocacy

Prof. Frank Baiden is the Dean of the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health. He is also the Principal Investigator of the Nkabom Project. He recently urged journalists to influence public perception on nutrition and health.

He spoke during a training session for journalists in Hohoe. This event was part of the Nkabom Collaboration, held at S5 Hotel.

Prof. Baiden stressed that nutrition should be a priority in national discussions. He noted its long-term effects on health outcomes.

“We cannot keep ignoring nutrition,” he said. “We often realize its importance too late.”

He praised journalists for attending the training. Some visited local schools to see innovative farming techniques firsthand.

These included school vegetable gardens and nurseries, which improve nutrition and education. Prof. Baiden highlighted how small investments can transform school environments.

He mentioned initiatives from an entrepreneurship fair that inspired industry players. “Some started by chance but are now changing lives,” he noted.

He recalled meeting a top vegetable exporter who shared his humble beginnings at the fair.

Prof. Baiden emphasized building a platform for journalists to promote nutrition and public health. “You can influence public opinion — that’s powerful,” he said.

“What people believe and how they act can be shaped by media.”

He revealed that McGill University supports involving media in this initiative. The international project coordinator was enthusiastic about ensuring its success.

Prof. Baiden suggested forming a network of journalists to maintain momentum.

“Should it be part of an existing structure or a new platform?” he asked, inviting discussion among journalists.

He called on Prof. Dr. Bicha to help facilitate this network and develop empowering activities for journalists.

The Nkabom Collaboration aims to improve nutrition and health outcomes in Ghana through partnerships, education, and community empowerment.