Our Partnership with Ghana Health & Education Initiative

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.

We’re partnering with Ghana Health and Education Initiative (GHEI) to support the health, nutrition and cognitive development of newborn babies in Humjibre, Ghana. Through this project, 19 first-time mothers are participating in comprehensive weekly education sessions led by Mother Mentors.  These sessions included topics like breastfeeding, responsive feeding, preventing infectious disease, hygiene and sanitation, play-based learning, and activities that promote babies’ cognitive stimulation.  Mother Mentors are also participating in a refresher training on counseling techniques, house visits, family planning, and complementary infant feeding.  To further support their children’s health outcomes, participants are also receiving a temporary infant food stipend, books and toys.