By Samira Larbie/Muniratu Issah
Accra, April 26, GNA – The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the KOKO Plus Foundation and the Ajinomoto Foundation (TAF) of Japan to combat child malnutrition in Ghana.
The renewed agreement strengthens efforts to educate caregivers on proper child nutrition to ensure children receive essential nutrients for growth.
Building on over a decade of collaboration, the MOC aligns with Ghana’s commitments under the Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative (AfHWIN) and the global Nutrition for Growth (N4G) agenda.
KOKO Plus, a micronutrient powder added to complementary foods, is designed to enhance their nutritional value.
Mr. Kaoru Kurashima, TAF President, said that he was pleased with the nutritional progress observed in some operational areas due to the product’s presence.
He noted that the ongoing partnership would contribute to reducing malnutrition and fostering healthier, more intelligent future leaders.
Mr. Kurashima said the MOC aimed to enhance child nutrition, decrease stunting and anemia among children aged six months to 10 years, and eventually extend support to other life stages and generations in Ghana.
The initiative includes training health workers in maternal and child nutrition, strengthening food distribution systems, and promoting dietary diversity to build resilient food systems.
Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, highlighted the enduring relationship between Ghana and Japan and stressed the importance of maternal and child nutrition in strengthening their ongoing cooperation.
“We are proud to expand our health sector collaboration through Public-Private Partnerships. Strategies to improve child nutrition are essential, which is why this partnership matters,” he said.
Dr. Kennedy Bomfeh, Director for Research and Projects at KOKO Plus Foundation, stated that the partnership formed part of wider efforts to support Ghanaian children and achieve GHS infant growth targets.
He said that KOKO Plus planned to expand nationwide, reaching the Northwest and Eastern regions to ensure all children have access to adequate nutrition.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director General, GHS, expressed concern over Ghana’s persistent malnutrition challenges.
“Almost 100 years down the line, Ghana should be heading towards eliminating malnutrition; our children should be healthy and have the best in life; hence, this partnership with Japan is necessary to help address malnutrition challenges in the country.” he said.
Professor Akoriyea reiterated his commitment to the partnership, emphasizing its role in safeguarding the health of Ghanaian children.
He stated that if children lacked the capacity to grow, it would negatively impact the health system, productivity, and the economy.
He commended KOKO Plus and TAF for their role in improving child nutrition in Ghana.
The partnership began in 2011 when Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (AJICO), the University of Ghana, and the Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation (INF) developed KOKO Plus®.
Initially launched as a pilot project, the collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 5, 2011. In 2017, TAF assumed responsibility from AJICO to lead the initiative.
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