Counties leading in malnutrition
An estimated 760,488 children aged 6 to 59 months require management of acute malnutrition.
2mon agoWILLIAM WANYOIKEInfographics
Turkana county has taken over a three-year programme that was being implemented by the International Rescue Committee to mitigate high levels of malnutrition.
Due to the same drought-related challenges, the county has also been experiencing seasonal diseases like acute watery diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections and malaria, which further worsens the situation during the rains.
As a response, the county government in partnership with IRC has been conducting bi-weekly emergency health outreaches over the last three years.
The final cycle of activities has been completed in Turkana South and Loima subcounties, marking the end of the IRC activities in the region.
Health executive Joseph Epem said on Monday the programme has been saving lives by taking essential services to people's doorsteps in the most remote communities in Turkana South and Loima subcounties.
He said the last outreach activities also served as an opportunity to inform communities of IRC’s exit and the county government’s assumption of responsibility for sustaining future services.
“This partnership with IRC has transformed how we respond to malnutrition—by putting communities at the centre and building sustainable systems. As a county, we are ready to take full ownership of the outreach programme to ensure no child is left behind,” Epem said.
Preventive and promotive health services chief officer Janerose Tioko said the programme has positive impacts on the local communities.
“With the skills, tools and structures already in place, the county government is well-positioned to sustain the progress made and continue serving our most vulnerable communities,” she said.
“In this last outreach, 1,198 people were reached, among them 406 children," Tioko said.
Epem said the initiative has achieved its target of helping to mitigate malnutrition and the county would ensure its sustained.
“We will ensure the programme continues for the benefit of our people,” he said.
