On Gambia COHA report!

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