Nutrition
is an integral part of human existence and scientific research in the field of
nutrition has made great strides in recent years.
Despite
gains made to meet growing nutrient demands, millions of deprived communities
are still facing acute food shortages, while the price of main staple rations
sky rocket daily.
In
the 21st century, however, malnutrition is considered as one of the many health
inequalities affecting humanity worldwide, regardless of their income status.
It is a universal issue, therefore with several different forms.
In
the news, The Gambia in partnership with the European Union and its UN partners
on Monday officially launched Gambia Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study
report. This comes after the launch in 2018 of the study with the objective of
providing evidence to justify the need to increase investment in nutrition. The
Gambia launch is timey taking into account- the country being amongst 26
countries globally to validate the COHA findings in Africa.
The
study, according to officials, is aimed at providing compelling arguments to
support the concept of Human Capital gain that will help consolidate Africa’s
economic expansion, thereby eliminating the social and economic impact of
undernourishment of children at the level of health and education sectors.
Malnutrition
can be fatal. Every year, it contributes to the deaths of millions of children
under five. But what is more important is that – there is need to focus on food
quality, not just quantity.
For
instance, reports have it that for years, it has been difficult to deliver the
nutrient value of milk in communities in Africa and Asia that do not produce or
have resources to buy milk.
Therefore,
participating in such a study as a country is a move in the right direction, as
it further represents a unique opportunity to help understand the impact of
child under nutrition in the country’s socio economic development.
Nutrition
is the only remedy that can bring full recovery and can be used with any
treatment. Remember, food is our best medicine.
As rightly stated by the governor of West Coast Region Bakary Sanyang at the launch, when nutrition in children is not given the utmost priority; then our health, education and other productive sectors will continue to show serious shortcomings and big challenges to overcome.
“Nutrition
is important, training is important - but so are rest and recovery, massages,
acupuncture. Your body is your temple, and you’ve got to take care of it..”
Antonio
Brown
