As part of activities marking this year’s Child Health Promotion Week, Arise Foods Limited, in collaboration with the Ga East Municipal Health Directorate, has joined in commemorating the occasion with a focus on promoting the health and well-being of children.
The week was observed under the theme, “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future: Invest in Your Child, Attend Weighing Regularly.” The initiative sought to educate parents on the importance of proper nutrition and regular health check-ups as a cornerstone for a child’s growth and development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Dr. Nana Achiaa Ankrah, an Agro Food Expert and Founder of Arise Foods, highlighted the importance of balanced and nutritious meals for children. She stressed that giving children multigrain cereals and nutrient-rich foods is critical to their strength and development.
“Investing in a child’s health is crucial for optimal growth and development,” she said, urging parents and caregivers to ensure children receive proper nutrition, vaccinations, and healthcare to support both physical and cognitive development.
She explained that proper nutrition not only prevents illness but also reduces the chances of morbidity and mortality among children. “Investing in a child’s meal prevents children from diseases because the right proportion of nutrients in every meal protects children from illnesses, reducing morbidity and mortality.”
Dr. Ankrah further emphasized the academic benefits of proper nutrition, noting its positive impact on children’s school performance. “When a child consumes a densely filled nutritious meal, it improves academic performance in school,” she said. “Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly, focus better, and achieve academic success.”
Beyond education, she pointed out the long-term advantages of investing in child health, including increased productivity, better economic prospects, and improved overall well-being. “When you properly invest in your child’s health, it helps in reducing healthcare costs because preventive care and early interventions reduce healthcare costs in the long run, while observing quality nutrition for your child,” she clarified.
Dr. Ankrah concluded by reinforcing the far-reaching benefits of investing in children’s well-being. “Investing in child health is essential for building a strong foundation for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life because good health supports emotional stability, social skills, and positive relationships.”