UNICEF, China bolster Ghana's efforts to safeguard children's health

Ghana, one of the six countries receiving financial support within the framework of the China-UNICEF cooperation against COVID-19, has received $1 million from China to help improve newborn care and children's health. The funds availed through China's South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund also will be used to prevent, detect and treat severe, acute malnutrition.

According to UNICEF, the grant will help in supporting the government of Ghana with providing nutrition supplies, such as iron-folic acid tablets, Vitamin A supplements, weighing scales and height boards. The nutrition supplies and health equipment will serve and benefit 115,112 children, 128,925 adolescents and 23,022 women.

Speaking in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, Fiachra McAsey, UNICEF deputy representative in Ghana, said the donation from China will enable health and nutrition systems to better withstand the shock brought on by the pandemic.

"The COVID-19 crisis threatens to derail hard-won progress over decades to improve child health and nutrition in Ghana. It is important that we act now and fast to bolster essential services to ensure every child continues to access quality health care and nutrition," McAsey said.

Kofi Issah, a director at Ghana's Family Health Services, said China's help was not only timely but critical.

"In the midst of COVID-19 response actions, we are also focusing our attention and strategies on safeguarding the provision of essential maternal newborn child and nutrition services to reduce avoidable deaths and disabilities," Issah said.

"We will continue to ensure that no one is left behind and promote the continuum of care with special focus on women and children. We are indeed grateful for this China-UNICEF Aid," he added.