Ghana’s infant mortality rate has steadily declined over the last 50 years, but with 33 deaths per 1,000 live births it is still above the world average and much higher than many developed countries’ infant mortality rates.  Child health and nutrition rates in Ghana similarly lag behind much of the world, with 17.5% of children 5 years and younger experiencing stunted growth. Investing in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life when proper nutrition and health interventions are most critical is a proven approach to improving health and nutrition outcomes.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Ghana Health and Education Initiative (GHEI) to support the health and cognitive development of newborn babies in Humjibre. Through our partnership, 23 first-time mothers participated in weekly education sessions led by “Mother Mentors” who counselled the women in their homes.  Topics included breastfeeding, responsive feeding, disease prevention, hygiene and sanitation, play-based learning, and activities that promote babies’ cognitive stimulation.  To further support families’ health outcomes, participants also received latrines, hand washing stations, food stipends, toys, books and nutrition supplements like iron and iodized salt.  As a result of these comprehensive supports, the percentage of mothers who gave birth safely in a health center increased from 64% to 94%, instances of diarrhea dropped from 16% to 5.3%, and 93% of infants were exclusively breastfeed until 6 months (the national average is just 43%).