In November 2024, Self-Help International began providing nutrition supplementation and other complementary support to malnourished infants and their families in the Ullo Traditional Area, in the Jirapa Municipality of Ghana’s Upper West Region. There, families depend on small-scale farming and a single bad harvest can tip a household into crisis.
The combination of climate change negatively impacting smallholder farm production and very high inflation rates affecting staple food prices had caused deepening food insecurity and rising rates of malnutrition in the area.
Through their child welfare clinics and work in the villages, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), a Self-Help International partner, had identified 50 malnourished children; 18 were diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 32 were diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
Chronic malnutrition puts children at greater risk for illness and death and leads to poor school performance, reduced intellectual capacity, and lower economic productivity in adulthood. (World Health Organization)
To address this malnutrition crisis, Self-Help International began procuring and preparing a therapeutic porridge flour—made from roasted and milled grains, legumes, and dried fish— to feed the most at-risk children. Later, egg and Koko Plus, a protein and micro-nutrient powder that is added to children’s porridge, were added for additional nutrition support.
Parents are given clear instructions on how to feed their children, as well as ongoing education, support, and guidance from GHS nurses, midwives, and nutritionists, as well as Self-Help International’s Promoting Good Nutrition Officer Denis Tankpaa.
Frequent community food demonstrations show families how to combine what they grow to produce more nutritious meals for their whole families. To increase long-term food security, families are encouraged to access the support of the Self-Help International agriculture and microcredit programs.
Twelve “mentor mothers” from participating villages were trained to serve as local lactation coaches, advocates and monitors. Parents and caregivers—many of whom were previously unaware of treatment options—gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to care for their children.
The efforts have paid off. As of June 2026, a total 92 infants have enrolled in the program. 55 have been fully rehabilitated and discharged, while 21 are still receiving services. Of those 21, only one has severe acute malnutrition (SAM), one has high risk moderate acute malnutrition (HRMAM), and eight have moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). A further 11 have recovered and will be supported over the next two months to help ensure sustained growth. To date, no infants who had previously completed the rehabilitation program have been readmitted.
Powered by Wapiti Digital #servetheherd
This is my rich text.
This is more rich text.
I am a list
Lists are cool