The director of NPO ‘Community and People Research Lab’, Ms. Yukari Kunimitsu, coordinated the Moringa project as a sustainable program to address malnutrition and poverty in Burkina Faso, West Africa. She cooperates and collaborates with Ms. Chiemi Fujii –the representative of NPO ‘Health and Development Service (HANDS)’ for Moringa no Sato– and Mr. Mohamed Hepaoum Ouedraogo –the president of Yeepaoum Production–. The DNGL graduate students University of Kochi organized the mini seminar “Moringa Project in Burkina Faso” on November 22, 2017 held in the Faculty of Nursing Building, Ike Campus University of Kochi. It was intended to exchange information and to bring together the members of Non-Profit Organization (NPO) and academicians related to some global aspects of health issues, such as the impact of poverty and inequality.
There were two speakers in today’s mini seminar. Firstly, Ms. Fujii presented about “The Encounter with Moringa Called “Miracle Tree” in Sierra Leone Where is The Shortest Life Span in The World”. And secondly, Mr. Mohamed delivered presentation on “Our Moringa Project in Burkina Faso”. In total, 10 participants including the Japanese and non-Japanese faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students from nursing and social welfare departments belong to University of Kochi and Kochi University as well as the special guest from Democratic Republic of the Congo, joined this seminar.
Discussions run interactively. They were curious to discuss the advantages of using Moringa tree in malnutrition prevention programs among children and women of child-bearing age in Burkina Faso. We highlighted that the Moringa project approach has shown, for instance in Ethiopia, Kenya and India could be the solution to the developing world problems of nutrition and poverty. Moringa is a food supplement loaded with vitamins, essential mineral elements and amino acids. It is best known for its medicinal uses. Hence, Moringa is providing a culturally appropriate tool to support healthy living for farmers and their entire families.
In conclusions, as a disaster nursing global leader, it is necessary to contribute to the development of new relationships between civil society organizations, NPOs and universities toward building stronger civil societies. Partnerships of this type can explore innovations in different fields which are driven by real-world concerns such as climate change, malnutrition and poverty. There is a great need to bring theory, practice, personal and organizational development together. We can work together with such NPOs for international collaboration through strengthening health systems and human capacity to enable people around the world to enjoy healthy lives with always mindful and respecting local traditions and cultures.
(Summarized by Hastoro Dwinantoaji & Yuko Kawamura)
