Dr.Gregory Ganda, CECM Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, gave his remarks during the KCNAP review.
By Lorraine Anyango.
Nutrition has emerged as a pivotal factor in the implementation of primary healthcare, and its digitalization is seen as a crucial step in addressing the social determinants of health.
Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, emphasized the need for a digital approach to monitor growth. “We can develop an App that can aid in this process, leveraging the existing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system,” he said.
Dr. Ganda highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors, particularly agriculture and health. “Health will not function if agriculture fails,” he stated. He called for the setting of targets to ensure that departments under the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition (MSN) platform, which encompasses WASH, agriculture, education, and health, work collaboratively to achieve primary healthcare goals.
One of the key strategies to reduce poverty is through agriculture. By integrating data from various sectors, including family healthcare units, the MSN platform can identify households that have received interventions and contribute to the success of primary healthcare.
The County aims to digitize all Mother and Child Health (MCH) services in the next two years and monitor newborns digitally for a year after birth. Additionally, the county plans to incorporate health entrepreneurs into its programs to enhance sustainability and create trade opportunities.
The End Term Review of the Kisumu County Nutrition Action Plan (KCNAP) 2021-2023 highlighted significant progress, including the inclusion of nutrition indicators in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Annual Work Plan (AWP). The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Committee and the County Early Childhood Education Committee have also integrated nutrition into their Terms of Reference.
While significant strides have been made, challenges remain, particularly the lack of a centralized repository for nutrition data. The review workshop, supported by Helen Keller International, aims to address these challenges and further strengthen the county’s nutrition initiatives.
