Nakuru seeks to reduce iron-deficient anaemia in expectant women and stunting

Written by Ruth Magak

The Nakuru County Government is on track to reduce the prevalence of stunting among children and iron-deficient anaemia in pregnant women by 2025.

Vulnerable groups like pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five years old are among those being targeted in the program.

This was revealed during a meeting with the Nutrition Program Steering Committee and the Nutrition International team today in conjunction with the Nakuru county health department.

The County Nutrition Action Plan- CNAP seeks to avert 21,443 cases of stunting, 1473 deaths, 5436 issues of wasting, 22,453 cases of anaemia in pregnancy, and 4666 cases of anaemia in adolescent girls.

Nutrition International Country Director Ms Martha Nyagaya commended Nakuru Governor, H.E Susan Kihika, for supporting the Nutrition Investment Case program through the Joint Financing Nutrition Model.

“This is a significant step towards improving the health and well-being of Nakuru County residents. We have seen political goodwill through the Governor’s manifesto and her dedication to supporting the Nutrition agenda for a healthier and more prosperous community,” said Nyangaya.

Speaking at the same event, County Chief Officer for Public Health, Ms Alice Abuki, highlighted the importance of investing in nutrition programs, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five years old.

She emphasized that good nutrition is essential for the overall health and development of the county’s residents.

The program, which is carried out through the County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP), aims to reduce the prevalence of stunting by 38 per cent and iron-deficient anaemia in pregnant women by 58 per cent by 2025.

“These targets are significant gains toward achieving the World Health Assembly’s global Nutrition targets,” she stated.

She further revealed that the projected health impact of the program is impressive, with the initiative expected to avert 21,443 cases of stunting, 1473 deaths, 5436 issues of wasting, 22,453 cases of anaemia in pregnancy, and 4666 cases of anaemia in adolescent girls.

“These numbers demonstrate the potential positive impact of investing in nutrition programs in the county,” she said.

Governor Susan Kihika is committed to supporting the Nutrition Investment Case program through the Joint Financing Nutrition Model.