The annual Child Health Promotion Week was marked by Ga West Municipal Hospital from 12th to 16th May 2025. The week-long celebration featured various activities within the hospital and in the surrounding community. This year’s program was held under the theme: “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future; Invest in Your Child. Attend Weighing Regularly.”
The celebration commenced with mass health education across various units in the hospital. Nutrition officers educated clients at the Child Welfare Clinic (CWC), Antenatal Clinic (ANC), and Outpatient Department (OPD). The education focused on how pregnant and lactating mothers can best care for themselves and their children. Pregnant women were encouraged to eat foods that enhance iron absorption in the blood—such as green leafy vegetables and liver—and to avoid foods that inhibit iron absorption, such as caffeinated drinks.
They were also advised to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months after birth, and to introduce complementary foods after the six-month mark.
Mothers, particularly those at the CWC, were encouraged to immunize their children against preventable diseases such as polio, yellow fever, and hepatitis B. They were thoroughly educated on the complications that can arise from failing to immunize their children. The importance of Vitamin A supplementation and its role in boosting immunity was also discussed. Mothers were advised to be punctual to weighing sessions and to introduce a variety of foods into their children’s diets. For children with poor appetites, mothers were taught to use responsive feeding techniques.
The dangers of malnutrition were extensively addressed. Malnutrition in children can have serious adverse effects and, if not managed properly, may even lead to death. Conditions such as marasmus were explained in detail, and parents were urged to reject superstitious beliefs that consider malnutrition a spiritual illness.
On Wednesday, 15th May 2025, a food demonstration was held in front of the health facility. The local dish Aprapransa was prepared in collaboration with clients. During the demonstration, the four-star diet was highlighted, and the nutritional roles of various food groups were discussed. Clients were encouraged to use Kokoplus, a nutrient-dense food supplement, in meals for their children. The Aprapransa was shared among participants, along with fruits such as watermelon and pineapple.
On Thursday, 16th May 2025, a school health outreach was conducted in the community. This exercise allowed the nutrition officers and public health team to distribute Vitamin A supplements to children who had missed earlier doses. Students were counseled on the importance of eating a balanced diet to maintain good health. During the visit, students’ weight and height were measured. Both students and teachers were advised to reduce the intake of sugary drinks and to organize regular fruit days in their schools.