by Ogega Ondari. The County Government of Kisumu has initiated a vital nutrition program aimed at supporting children and pregnant women in the Nyando region, recently impacted by severe flooding. Funded by the French Embassy through UNICEF with a contribution of about Sh. 11.4 million, the program will be implemented in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Speaking at the program’s launch, County Nutrition Coordinator, Rael Mwando, emphasized that the primary goal is to combat malnutrition, specifically wasting, within flood-affected communities.
“This program is crucial to prevent and manage wasting among vulnerable populations in Nyando who are still recovering from the devastating floods,” said Ms. Mwando.
The year-long initiative, dubbed “Strengthening Nutrition Resilience and Recovery for Flood-Affected Communities in Western and ASAL Counties in Kenya,” will employ a comprehensive approach. Ms. Mwando outlined four key themes:
• Wasting Prevention: Proactive measures to avoid malnutrition.
• Wasting Management: Treatment for children and women already suffering from wasting.
• Improved WASH: Enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene practices to prevent illness.
• Community Engagement and GBV Messaging: Actively involving communities and integrating messages addressing gender-based violence within the nutrition framework.
Luisalba Ngoma, Regional Nutrition Officer for the Kenya Red Cross Society, highlighted the program’s focus on tangible outcomes. “Our project outputs are centered on improving the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the targeted areas, alongside crucial improvements in hygiene and sanitation,” she stated. The program also includes enhanced community-level monitoring and accountability.
The initiative will integrate into the education system by training Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers and Community Health Promoters (CHPs). “ECDE teachers and CHPs will be trained to conduct growth monitoring and house-to-house visits, ensuring community-led surveillance,” explained Ms. Mwende.
Eunice Ojwang’, County ECD Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, representing County Director ECD Willikister Oderah, welcomed the program as a critical intervention, praising the inclusion of biannual deworming and Vitamin A supplementation campaigns.
Dr. Don Sunday, County Director of Medical Services, underscored the program’s importance for vulnerable demographics. “Maternal and child health is paramount,” he asserted. “I am pleased this program prioritizes these crucial groups.”
Maurice Oricho, County Director of Special Programs and Disaster Management, lauded the program’s timely arrival. “Recovery after floods is essential, and this program directly addresses that often-overlooked element,” he stated.
This multi-sectoral program unites various county departments, including health, education, water, agriculture, and social services, marking a significant stride towards recovery and resilience for the Nyando region.
