Koko Plus to solve malnutrition cases among some children in Ghana

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana Kaoru Yoshimura says since December 2009, the University of Ghana, Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation and Ajinomoto have been engaging in a collaborative effort to tackle malnutrition among infants in Ghana.

He said the partnership became necessary as studies indicate that about 23 percent of children are stunted while about 57 percent are anaemic.

Mr Yoshimuru said this at a Complementary Food Project Dissemination Workshop at University of Ghana. 

He announced that the Japanese government has provided two million dollars to help deal with the malnutrition situation in the country.

The project Director of Joint Complementary Food Project, Professor Tana Debrah said children between six and 24 months were selected from  Mfantseman, Ekumfi and Abura Asedu Kwanankese Districts in the Central Region to test the effectiveness of the supplement, Koko plus;  a macro and micro nutrient supplement, which the partnership had produced. 

He indicated that the infants who benefited from the food supplement for the period of 12 months showed significant growth pattern than those who were not placed on it. 

Prof Debrah was hopeful that the Koko plus will help solve the malnutrition issue facing some children in the country.

GBC