Source: Michael Foli Jackidy
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Torgbui Tagbor III, emphasized the pressing need for advocates to address prevalent nutrition and health issues in the country.
He was speaking at a workshop organized by Africa Catalyzing Action for Nutrition (AfriCAN) in Ho.
He highlighted the crucial role of the media in influencing public dietary habits and health choices by disseminating information to the public, noting their significant impact through various platforms such as TV, radio, social media, information centres, newspapers, and public transport.
He underscored the media’s responsibility in educating the public, especially those who may struggle with literacy, about the foods and medications they consume.
Torgbui Tagbor bemoaned the socioeconomic barriers to accessing nutritious food and advocated policy changes to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
He addressed cultural beliefs that hinder certain communities, particularly pregnant women, including consuming essential foods like eggs, and urged the media to bridge the gap by creating awareness and understanding.
Additionally, the university don lamented the restrictive policy environment that limits the production of indigenous foods, leading to overreliance on imported inorganic foods. He asked the media to champion policy reforms and intervention to prioritize local food production for the benefit of the population.
In closing, Torgbui Tagbor III, expressed gratitude to AfriCAN and its partners for organizing the workshop, emphasizing the collective effort needed to address nutrition-related challenges and effect positive change.
