The Paediatric Society of Ghana has urged the government to urgently dedicate resources to combat child malnutrition, underscoring its crucial importance to national development.

The President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, emphasised that malnutrition is not only a health issue but also a complex problem that affects various aspects of society, hampering progress and preventing growth.

She made the call at the Society's Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM), which was held in Ho, Volta Region, under the theme: “The economic and social impact of child malnutrition on Ghana’s long-term development.”

Mrs Boye stated that despite concerted efforts to diminish the prevalence of malnourished children in the country through a range of interventions, malnutrition in all its manifestations persisted as a significant national concern.

She highlighted impeded human capital development and the persistence of poverty and inequality in society as major concerns related to starvation.

“It deprives our children of the opportunity to thrive, learn, and contribute their best to society,” Mrs. Boye added.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, emphasised that tackling child malnutrition necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

The Minister noted that child malnutrition was responsible for nearly half of all deaths in children under five years of age, which is estimated to cost Ghana about 6.4% of its GDP annually.

He reassured the Paediatric Society and other stakeholders of the government's commitment to implementing evidence-based interventions to improve child health.