In commemoration of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited, an affiliate of a global food giant, Ajinomoto, makers of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami food seasoning has hosted a cooking exercise for Lagos mothers. The cooking exercise which centred on salt reduction when using AJI-NO-MOTO was aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding in the state which the company noted was crucial for child survival and development. Celebrated in over 120 countries by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners, World Breastfeeding Week is held annually from August 1st to 7th.
The aim, according to WHO, is to encourage breastfeeding and consequently improve the health of babies around the world. The United Nations health agency says the week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a child’s life. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.
” Speaking at the event on Wednesday held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, for nursing mothers in communities in Ikeja Local Government Area, Corporate Communications Manager of Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited, Francisca Ikediashi said the company has an interest in the nutrition of mothers and children. Ikediashi said the cooking exercise is aimed to highlight the importance of breast milk and the need to discourage poor feeding practices which puts babies at risk of malnutrition and other illness.