Measuring the healthiness of Ghanaian children’s food environments to prevent obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases
Credit: M4NCDS - Project Team
Description: The "MEALS4NCDs Project" in Ghana addresses the rising obesity rates and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by focusing on the food environment as a critical determinant of health. With NCDs accounting for approximately 43% of annual deaths in the country, this initiative aims to measure and support public sector actions that foster healthy food marketing and provisioning for children and adolescents. The project involves a collaboration of ten researchers from seven institutions across Ghana, Kenya, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium. By providing Measurement Evaluation, Accountability, and Leadership Support (MEALS), the project seeks to create healthier food environments that can prevent obesity and related NCDs among the youth. Key objectives include measuring the effectiveness of current interventions, advocating for policy changes, and enhancing stakeholder engagement to promote healthier dietary practices.