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Turkana South Battles High Malnutrition Rates Despite County’s Improvements

TURKANA, KENYA - In Turkana South sub-county, health sector stakeholders have raised alarm over its high malnutrition rates, which stand in stark contrast to the overall improvements seen across the county. Turkana South's Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate is reported to be 32.7%, significantly higher than the county's average of 26.4%.

According to Kenya News Agency, there has been a county-level reduction in malnutrition from 34.8% to 26.4%. However, Turkana South continues to struggle with rates well above the county's average. The forum, which included representatives from USAID NAWIRI, Kenya Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, and the International Rescue Committee, convened to address this critical issue. These organizations have been instrumental in combating nutritional challenges in the region.

The County Nutrition Coordinator, Cynthia Lokidor, called for enhanced support from health partners in the nutrition sector. She stressed the need for a concerted effort to lower the acute malnutrition rates, especially in Turkana South. Jemester Kakuta, the Sub-County Nutrition Coordinator, presented data from mass screening reports, indicating that Turkana South had previously experienced malnutrition levels above 41% before seeing a slight decrease to 32.7%.

Kakuta also mentioned the ongoing mass screening initiatives in various sub-counties. The data collected from these screenings will contribute to the upcoming short rains assessment report, scheduled for release in mid-February. Lokidor emphasized the role of Sub-County Nutrition Technical Forums (SCNTs) in addressing local nutrition issues. Matters that remain unresolved at the sub-county level are escalated to the County Nutrition Forum for more comprehensive discussion and potential solutions.

Further efforts are being made in developing the 3rd generation County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) and the County Nutrition Policy. Jonathan Echukut of USAID NAWIRI suggested cultivating nutrient-rich fruits along river banks and in areas with fertile soil as a strategy to enhance nutritional outcomes. The forum was also attended by the Sub-county Health Management Team, facility in-charges, and nutrition officers from Turkana South facilities.