Ghana’s First lady, Madam Rebecca Akufo-Addo has been named ‘Nutrition Champion’ for Ghana by the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative.
The African Leaders for Nutrition initiative is a platform for high-level political engagement to advance nutrition in Africa. The initiative is part of eight flagship programs launched under the African Development Bank’s High 5 priorities, particularly “Feed Africa” and “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.”
The First Lady, who has over the years, been committed to promoting nutrition and the well-being of mothers and infants through her Rebecca Foundation, joins His Excellency Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Madagascar, His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho and African Union Nutrition Champion, Dr. Howarth Bouis, Acting CEO of HarvestPlus as the 2018 Nutrition Champions.
She was inaugurated by Former President of Ghana and Co-founder of the African Leaders for Nutrition, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor.
In her remarks, Madam Rebecca Akufo-Addo said the role given her is a great opportunity to serve Ghana and Africa as a whole.
She said: “Working with the Kufour Foundation, the African Leaders for Nutrition Initiative and other stakeholders, I hope to employ creative and ingenious strategies to achieve the ultimate goal of entrenching proper nutrition in Africa.”
She advised that a broad base of support, collaboration and coordination with sister initiatives on nutrition must be built. “We must harmonize our interventions, to accelerate progress and avoid the trap of reinventing the wheel”, she said.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to the African Development Bank for spearheading the initiative also. “I acknowledge the instrumental role played by His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor in the establishment of the African Leaders for Nutrition and for personally nominating me as an ALN Champion. His steadfast energy and commitment to development in Ghana and Africa, should inspire us all to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.” She said.
Madam Akufo-Addo acknowledged the instrumental role played by former President, John Kufuor, in the establishment of the ALN and for personally nominating her as an ALN Champion.
“His steadfast energy and commitment to development in Ghana and Africa, should inspire us all to create a better world for ourselves and future generations. I also salute Dr. Akiwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, for his vision and dedication to ensuring good nutrition in Africa. Your vision is worthy of praise and emulation”, she added.
As co-chair of Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, Madam Rebecca Akufo-Addo is currently working together with UNICEF and other stakeholders in priority populations, to reduce malnutrition in children and pregnant women.
She has spearheaded several campaigns to promote the welfare of women and girls in Ghana. Her Save A Child, Save A Mother project, raised US$ 2million for a state-of-the-art mother and baby unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Source: thebftonline.com
