Ajinomoto Co. brings its expertise in nutrition and food science to improve nutrition in Ghana and announced today it will join the Business Call to Action (BCtA), with plans to expand its pilot nutritional supplement program reaching an estimated 200,000 weaning infants by 2017.

The project was originally initiated to commemorate the company’s 100 year anniversary. It is executed in conjunction with the Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation and the University of Ghana as the core project partners and aims to achieve nutritional improvements for children by providing a supplement named “KOKO Plus.” It will improve the nutritional outcomes of an estimated 200,000 children aged 6-24 months by 2017.

“Ajinomoto’s commitment to improving nutritional outcomes for children and expanding distribution efforts to employ rural women as part of their new social business model in Ghana is an important and meaningful endeavor and we are pleased to welcome them to the Business Call to Action,” said Sahba Sobhani, Acting Program Manager, Business Call to Action.

Malnutrition is a serious issue in developing countries and especially so for newborns in the first one thousand days of their life where malnutrition can result in stunting and developmental delays.

Ajinomoto’s new proprietary protein (amino acid) micronutrient supplement will fortify traditional porridge in Ghana, called koko. The final product “KOKO Plus” will be distributed through various community-based networks and locally recruited sales women; kick starting employment in the region. “KOKO Plus” reflects years of expertise by the Ajinomoto Group in protein (amino acid) nutrition and food science.

With “KOKO Plus,” the company is planning to reach an estimated 20 percent of its target population in Ghana, predominantly children ages 6-24 months by 2017.

The program will also establish local food production chains, as the processing of local ingredients in Ghana will support agriculture workers and create jobs. The company also expects to create income generating opportunities for women in rural communities by hiring an estimated new 2,000 saleswomen.

“Contributing to nutrition improvement in the world is one of the core missions of Ajinomoto Group. We are pleased to expand our commitment and our programs in Ghana to help nourish and build the capacity of Ghana’s child and mother population, who should be leading healthy and productive lives. We expect that participating in BCtA and creating broader partnership will further accelerate our contribution and commitment,” says Masatoshi Ito, President and CEO of Ajinomoto.

The commitment to the BCtA will build upon Ajinomoto’s efforts to bring this inclusive business initiative to scale and to expand its strategic partnerships that include JICA, USAID, GAIN, CARE and PLAN. The company also plans to expand its specialized nutritional supplements in other beneficiaries such as pregnant & lactating mothers as well as school age children, and is working with new partners such as GIZ and the World Food Programme to expand distribution and production of other nutritious products in the near term.

For More Information:

The Business Call to Action (BCtA): The Business Call to Action (BCtA) is a global initiative that challenges companies to develop inclusive business models that offer the potential for development impact along with commercial success. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Australian Agency for International Development, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, UK Department for International Development, US Agency for International Development, United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Global Compact and the Clinton Global Initiative to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Companies report on progress toward commitments on an annual basis. @BCtAInitiative

Ajinomoto Co.: Ajinomoto is a global manufacturer of high-quality seasonings, processed foods, beverages, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. For many decades Ajinomoto has contributed to food culture and human health through wide-ranging application of amino acid technologies. Today, the company is becoming increasingly involved with solutions for improved food resources, human health and global sustainability. Founded in 1909 and now operating in 26 countries, additional information can be found on www.ajinomoto.com.

Business Call to Action (BCtA)

Business Call to Action (BCtA)

Business Call to Action is a global joint advocacy platform that works to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by challenging and supporting companies to develop inclusive business models that offer the potential for both commercial success and development impact. It is hosted by the United Nations Development Programme and funded by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, UK Department for International Development (DFID). To date, 230 companies from around the world have signed on to commit to contribute to the SDGs, from large multinational companies to national and small- and medium-enterprises in 70 countries.

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