MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION

Makueni County has taken a bold step to combat moderate acute malnutrition among children under five as well as pregnant & lactating women.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday flagged off nutrition supplies worth KSh 2.6 million at Makueni County Referral Hospital, supported by ENI-Kenya.

The supplies, which include essential nutrition supplements and weighing scales, will be distributed across 121 health facilities-which are sites for managing acute Malnutrition within the county. The initiative targets malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months and pregnant & lactating women.

Recent studies indicate that Makueni’s malnutrition rates exceed national averages, with Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West being the most affected regions.

To address these alarming figures, the county government has partnered with ENI-Kenya in provision of the weighing scales which will ensure accurate monitoring of growth to screen and identify malnutrition timely.

Following the screening, those with acute Malnutrition will be managed appropriately using these nutrition supplies

The flagged-off commodities include 29,083 sachets(200gms each) of supplements for children under five and 2,043 sachets(300gms each) for pregnant and lactating women.

Additionally, the distribution package features 25 baby weighing scales and 25 Salter scales to support accurate and timely growth monitoring.

Dr. Paul Musila, the County Executive for Health Services, emphasized that these efforts would significantly improve nutrition among vulnerable children, pregnant &Lactating women enhance improved maternal health, and better pregnancy outcomes.

Governor Mutula urged mothers to take advantage of the interventions being promoted by health regarding the first 1000 days (from conception to first 2 years of childs life) to ensure optimal growth of their children.