Nutritional Value

Nakuru,

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

KNA by Veronica Bosibori

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, today hosted a team from Nutrition International (NI) at the county headquarters to discuss the Nutrition program currently underway in the region. 

NI has been collaborating with the County government of Nakuru since 2017 to enhance the nutritional status of its population by improving the County's health systems and service delivery. 

Mr Kones praised the program for prioritizing Primary Healthcare (PHC) and acknowledged that progress has been made in enhancing the health and nutritional status of the people. He noted that more work is required and expressed Nakuru's interest in extending their collaboration with NI, given that the financial agreement is due to end in June 2024. 

The County Executives, Jacqueline Osoro (Health) and Zipporah Ngugi (Education) emphasized the importance of reproductive health, maternal health, and nutrition, stating that the County aims to strengthen their provision, particularly in the school feeding program, to better serve mothers, youths, and young children.

Ms. Osoro noted that babies grow rapidly during the first year of life, and their dietary needs tend to change quickly. Therefore, poor nutrition during this critical moment, she explained, can lead to long-term health consequences such as stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and poor cognitive development. 

Additionally, she said early life undernutrition is an underlying cause associated with about half of young children’s deaths globally. And, in Africa, it is documented that at least a quarter of young children’s deaths are due to malnutrition-related causes. 

Paula Tenaglia, Senior Director of Program Operations at Nutrition International, and Martha Nyagaya, NI's Country Director in Kenya, pledged their support for the county's efforts to implement the feeding program while ensuring hygiene. 

Also in attendance were Chief of Staff Dr Peter Kityenya, Chief Officers Martin Kagai (Office of the Governor), Alice Abuki (Public Health), Dr Daniel Wainaina (Medical Services), Dr. Mwangi Murima (Medical Services), Directors, and a team from Nutrition International.

Courtesy; KNA