The introduction of C-real by the University for Development Studies (UDS) marks a significant milestone in the fight against malnutrition among children in Ghana. Here’s a summarized breakdown of the key points and implications of this groundbreaking product:
- Product Overview: C-real is a locally sourced food product made from ingredients such as rice, soybeans, and maize. It is fortified with eighteen essential minerals and vitamins, aiming to address malnutrition among children under the age of five in Ghana.
- Collaborative Research: The development of C-real is the result of collaborative research efforts between UDS, the University of York in the UK, and the Savannah Sahel Commodities Ltd. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing complex challenges like child malnutrition.
- Significance of C-real: Malnutrition remains a significant issue in Ghana, contributing to child mortality rates and hindering proper growth and development. C-real offers a practical and locally sourced solution to combat this problem, potentially improving the well-being and future prospects of Ghanaian children.
- Prevalence of Malnutrition: Experts have identified malnutrition as a major contributor to child deaths in Ghana, accounting for over twenty percent of child mortality in the country. The prevalence of stunting and wasting, particularly in Northern Ghana, underscores the urgent need for interventions like C-real.
- Role of Universities: The Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, highlighted the crucial role of universities in identifying challenges and providing innovative solutions. Initiatives like C-real demonstrate UDS’s commitment to addressing national issues through cutting-edge research and practical interventions.
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The introduction of C-real supports national efforts to achieve SDG goals two and three. Goal two aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, while goal three aims to reduce preventable deaths among newborns and children under five.
Overall, the introduction of C-real represents a promising development in the fight against child malnutrition in Ghana, offering a locally sourced and nutritionally fortified solution that aligns with broader sustainable development objectives.
Onokwafo Yaw Asiedu/Ahotoronline.com
