UNITLIFE, the United Nations initiative dedicated to fighting chronic malnutrition through innovation, and Ecobank Group’s Foundation have launched the 'Make the Connection' campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds to prevent chronic malnutrition in Africa.
Over 144 million children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition worldwide.
The prevalence is highest in Africa, whereas many as 24 African countries have rates above 30%.
In other words, one in three African children do not eat a diet that meets their nutrient needs during the first 1,000 days of their lives.
As a result, they face life-long consequences affecting their physical growth, cognitive development and immune systems.
The disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to countries’ health systems and the global economy have exacerbated the malnutrition crisis in Africa.
Nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit and animal-sourced foods have become less accessible and less affordable for millions of families.
“Everywhere in Africa, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disastrous effect on people’s income and ability to access nutritious foods. The Standing Together for Nutrition Consortium projects that an estimated 1.2 million additional children in Sub-Saharan Africa will be stunted in 2022 compared to 2019 due to interruptions in nutrition services and increased household poverty.
"It is imperative that we shine more light on chronic malnutrition in these challenging times. UNITLIFE is excited to partner with the Ecobank Foundation to raise awareness and funds to fight this disease”, says Assia Sidibe, Head of UNITLIFE Secretariat.
Ecobank is supporting the communication efforts of the campaign and bringing the necessary expertise to set-up the fundraising mechanisms. Carl Manlan, Chief Operating Officer, Ecobank Foundation explains: “At the Foundation, our aim is to create a positive impact on the lives of people across Africa.
"Supporting UNITLIFE helps us achieve our mission. We are glad we can contribute to allowing a healthier and more prosperous future for children in Africa.”
The 'Make the connection' campaign stands in line with the ongoing global effort to mobilise additional resources for development and contributes to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, especially SDG2 “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”
Latest Stories
-
Academic City’s Business and Communication Dean launches new book
9 mins -
FIFA development delegation in Ghana to review GFA projects
16 mins -
Must teachers always strike before concerns are addressed? – Peter Anti quizzes
29 mins -
John Kumah’s wife inconsolable at his one week observance [Video]
30 mins -
Africa’s Top Women in Banking, Finance, and Investment to be celebrated at Angaza Forum in Nairobi
38 mins -
The love I’ve received is breathtaking – Kuami Eugene shares health update
53 mins -
Government targets $100m private capital to complete Saglemi Housing Project
1 hour -
Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill will bring economic disaster to Ghana if signed into law – Prof. Diamond
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo, Bagbin impasse over Anti- LGBTQI+ Bill could harm economy – Franklin Cudjoe
1 hour -
Adamus accused of defying court-directed Interim Management Committee
2 hours -
NPP running mate saga: Frontrunners will be disappointed – John Boadu
2 hours -
Calls for ECG-PURC truce intensify as ‘dumsor’ worsens
2 hours -
Unstable exchange rate affects claims payment – Ghana Insurers Association
2 hours -
Bank of Africa Ghana donates to Chief Imam, hosts Moroccan community to mark Ramadan activities
2 hours -
We’re winning 2024 polls hands down – PNC declares
2 hours