NGPU March 23, 2023

Nakuru records an impressive reduction in stunting among children

Written by Ruth Magak
Nakuru County has made significant strides in improving the nutritional status of its population, according to the latest Kenya Health Demographics report 2022 released by the Ministry of Health.

The report reveals that the county has reduced stunting and malnutrition rates from a high of 28 per cent to 18 per cent in the last three years.

County Director for Public Health Elizabeth Kiptoo attributed the achievement to the implementation of the County Nutrition Action Plan-CNAP, in partnership with Nutrition International, USAID Tujenge Jamii, and other cross-cutting sectors including the Departments of Agriculture and Education.

“We are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that every child and mother has access to the resources they need to thrive. Our community health volunteers and dedicated staff have played a crucial role in achieving these results, and we thank them for their hard work and commitment,” said Kiptoo.

To analyze the latest Nutrition data, the Department of Health Services held a Nutrition review forum that brought together all Nutrition coordinators, Sub-county Quality assurance officers, and the Sub-county directors of education from across the county.

The program’s key focus areas include improving access to nutritious food and educating the community on healthy eating practices. The program targets pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of five.

It further aims to provide nutrition education on diverse and balanced diets to pregnant women and nursing mothers through a monthly food basket that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, and protein-rich foods.

“We are proud of the progress we have made. We are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that every child and mother has access to the resources they need to thrive. Our community health volunteers and staff have played a crucial role in achieving these results,” added Kiptoo.

Kiptoo lauded Governor Susan Kihika, for her dedication to the health docket noting that she is passionate about Adolescent Health and Nutrition in her agenda for Nakuru.

“We have seen political goodwill in the implementation of Nutrition Programs towards the vision of having a healthy County,” said County Nutrition Coordinator Christine Kihara.