More concerted efforts are needed for the country to achieve global nutrition targets and eradicate malnutrition by 2030.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged that despite Kenya making progress in addressing the triple burden of malnutrition, more needs to be done.
PS Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has noted that by addressing malnutrition comprehensively, Kenya strides towards transforming into a globally competitive and prosperous nation with an enhanced quality of life by 2030 in line with the vision 2030.
"As individuals, families, communities and stakeholders we are collectively summoned to invest in combating the triple burden of malnutrition, paving the path towards a healthy and prosperous Kenya by 2030," she said.
The triple burden of malnutrition is a major public health challenge.
This refers to a situation where overnutrition (overweight and obesity), undernutrition (stunting, wasting and underweight) and micronutrient deficiencies coexist within the same population.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, Kenya has witnessed significant progress in reducing the prevalence of stunting among children under five years of age from 26 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2022.
Muthoni has noted that the milestones underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all citizens.
At the 14th task force meeting on food and nutrition development convened by the African Union Commission (AUC) early this month, Kenya received commendation for its outstanding strides in addressing the triple burden of malnutrition over the past year.
"These accolades underscore Kenya’s resolve towards ensuring healthy development, dignified living, and economic productivity for its populace.
The Kenya Nutrition Action Plan (KNAP) 2018-2022 spearheaded by the ministry seeks to accelerate efforts to scale up interventions aimed at eliminating malnutrition.
These include advocating for baby-friendly community initiatives (BFCI) and implementing micronutrient supplementation programmes.
Data by the World Health Organisation shows that globally, 149 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted (too short for age) in 2022.
Forty-five million were estimated to be wasted (too thin for height) and 37 million were overweight or living with obesity.
According to WHO, nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition.
These mostly occur in low- and middle-income countries.
The developmental, economic, social and medical impacts of the global burden of malnutrition are serious and lasting, for individuals and their families, for communities and for countries.
