Projects

At Healthmates Nutrition, our commitment to combating malnutrition and promoting healthy living continues to take shape through innovative and community-driven projects. One of our proudest recent milestones is the Hope Path Ghana – Nutrition4Life Project, a collaboration between Healthmates Nutrition, Light on Africa (LoA), and the South Tongu Municipal Hospital.

Launched in August 2025, the project represents a vibrant model of international youth cooperation and local community engagement — bringing together young volunteers from Ghana and France to work hand-in-hand in the fight against child malnutrition.

A Shared Mission: Reducing Malnutrition, One Child at a Time

The Hope Path Ghana project was designed to complement the Ghana School Feeding Programme by enhancing the nutritional quality of meals served to school children. The project’s activities center on nutrition screening, caregiver education, and youth engagement — all aimed at improving child health outcomes and strengthening local food systems.

The first phase of the project took place in Sogakope, within the South Tongu District of Ghana’s Volta Region. Working closely with the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of the South Tongu Municipal Hospital, the team screened 89 children aged between 2 months and 5 years for signs of malnutrition. The results provided valuable insights into the community’s nutritional landscape and laid the groundwork for targeted interventions.

Key Findings and Impact

The screening exercise revealed both encouraging and concerning patterns. While most children had normal growth based on MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) measurements, 26 children were underweight and 12 were stunted, indicating chronic nutritional deficiencies that require continued attention and care.

The data underscores the importance of sustained nutrition education, meal diversification, and community-based health programs. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — the Hope Path Ghana project contributes directly to building a healthier, more resilient generation.

Cultural Exchange and Youth Empowerment

Beyond health outcomes, Hope Path Ghana is a story of intercultural learning and youth empowerment. The project unites eight young volunteers — four from France and four from Ghana — to share experiences, learn from one another, and lead impactful community actions.

From nutrition workshops and cooking demonstrations to school and market visits, health screenings, and eco-tourism activities around the Afadjato mountains and Wli Waterfalls, the volunteers immersed themselves in Ghanaian culture while contributing their skills to real-world challenges.

Each evening concluded with a Gratitude Circle — a moment for reflection and shared learning, reinforcing the project’s human connection and sense of purpose.

Partnerships that Drive Change

This project would not have been possible without the dedicated collaboration of key stakeholders — the South Tongu Municipal Hospital, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Health Service, and international partners including Light on Africa (LoA), Région Bretagne, and Fonjep in France.

Together, these partnerships reflect the power of shared responsibility and cross-border collaboration in addressing one of humanity’s most pressing challenges — child malnutrition.

Looking Ahead

The Nutrition4Life component of Hope Path Ghana will continue to engage youth, caregivers, and local institutions in promoting sustainable nutrition practices. The project is also paving the way for future youth exchanges and long-term partnerships that connect communities across continents through service, learning, and innovation.

As Healthmates Nutrition looks forward, we remain committed to building on this foundation — developing nutrition-focused interventions, empowering young professionals, and strengthening the bridge between research, practice, and community action.

Join the Movement

At Healthmates Nutrition, we believe that no child should suffer from malnutrition, and every young person deserves the opportunity to create change. Together with partners like Light on Africa and community institutions, we’re shaping a healthier and more equitable future — one community at a time.