JICA reiterates commitment to improving nutrition in Africa
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has reiterated its commitment to improving nutrition in Africa as part of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit which was held last year December.
On January 19, 2022, the international Press Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted an online press briefing on JICA's commitment in Africa regarding nutrition improvement.
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The program was addressed by Mr. Amameishi Shinjiro, Deputy Director General and Group Director for Agriculture and Rural Development 2 ( Africa, Middle East and Europe), Economic Development Department, JICA, and Ms Ibi Tomomi, Director, Health, Team3, Health Group2, Human Development Department, JICA.
The theme for the briefing was "JICA's commitment in Africa regarding Nutrition improvement".
Ms. Ibi Tomomi, Director Health Team3 Health Group2 Human Development, JICA, expatiated on JICA's enumerated commitments towards the nutritional goals set.
In a graphical presentation, she explained how JICA intends to implement this project.
She mentioned that with the initiative of this thematic aim highlighted at last year's Tokyo 2021 Nutrition summit, it became obvious to throw more light on Africa.
Ms. Ibi explained the definition of nutrition under the programme, adding it it composed of two segmented definitions - undernutrition and overnutrition.
Undernutrition, she said comprised of wasting, stunting, underweight, malnutrition deficiency whilst overnutrition encompasses obesity, overweight, and overdose of malnutrition- she added.
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She wrapped up her presentation by saying "the world is suffering from the double burden of malnutrition coupled with the covid situation, and hence the growing international momentum for improved nutrition in especially Africa".
Mr. Amameishi Shinjiro, the Deputy Director-General and Group Director for Agriculture and Rural Development to Africa, Middle East and Europe, JICA explained in detail the essence of JICA's commitment to this course and how paramount it is to the African Sub Region. He also answered a few questions from participants.
JICA's co-operation in the African Region is foundational on protecting people's lives, livelihood and dignity. Mr. Amameishi mentioned that JICA will create a world that is resilient to various threats including infectious diseases and climate change.
He explained that a multi-sectorial approach in advocacy, capacity development and accelerating implementation would be adopted to achieve the initiative for food and nutrition security in Africa (IFNA), where over 200m children in Africa are targeted.
He again mentioned that JICA is committed in this course by promoting the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) project with existing examples in Zambia and Madagascar.
JICA's nutrition policy is further boosted by the 2021 Tokyo nutrition summit where commitments were made by African Governments.
In Ghana, the Nutrition for all policy is evident in the Northern Region where lead companies like Aijinomoto, through the production of Koko Plus is fully operational.