Nakuru County targets to reduce stunting and malnutrition rates to as low as 11 percent, even as it celebrates a significant drop in the last three years. The county that was lagging at 28 percent has made tremendous strides with the recently released Kenya Health Demographics report 2022 recording 19 percent. 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 stakeholders in the departments of Agriculture and Education. ‘We are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to doubling 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. Speaking during a nutrition review forum in Nakuru, Ms Kiptoo noted the need for concerted efforts to ensure a healthier population. The Kenya Demographics and Health Survey of 2022 released earlier this year revealed that though the county had recorded a high number of women delivering in health facilities, most of them did not adhere to the recommended nutritional guidelines for their children leading to stunted growth. The survey indicated that in every 100 children, 22 had their progress in motor, cognitive, language and social emotional areas, impaired. It also noted that improved child development was noted in urban areas more than rural based children, with their mothers’ level of education playing a role in the disparity. ‘Let us all focus on achieving the Nutrition target of reducing malnutrition to 11 percent as stakeholders and keep up the good work and continue to strive for a healthier and happier community,’ noted the County Nutrition Coordinator Christine Kihara.
Source: Kenya News Agency