Nakuru County’s Department of Health today concluded a two-day review and planning meeting to assess the progress of its three-year Nutrition Financing Agreement with Nutrition International (NI).
The agreement, which began in August 2021, focused on mobilizing local resources to expand high-impact, low-cost nutrition interventions outlined in the County Nutrition Action Plan. As this phase of the agreement nears its end, the review will inform a comprehensive project report that will guide future collaborations with NI and other partne
The meeting, led by Joyce Ncece, Chief Officer for Public Health, brought together members of the program’s steering and implementation committee. She reaffirmed the county’s dedication to strengthening nutrition programs and improving community health outcomes.
The review process will help identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the past three years, ensuring that future programs are even more effective.
Ms. Ncece said implementing a robust nutritional program is crucial for the residents of Nakuru for several key reasons: adequate nutrition, especially in early childhood, is essential for healthy growth and development.
The program addresses issues like malnutrition, stunting, and wasting, which can have long-term consequences for children’s physical and cognitive development. Thus, investing in children’s nutrition is an investment in their future and the future of the community.
She noted that good nutrition is vital for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The program likely provides support and education to ensure healthy pregnancies and births, reducing the risk of complications for both mother and child.
Additionally, she emphasized that proper nutrition plays a critical role in strengthening the immune system, making individuals less susceptible to illness and disease. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Also, she said well-nourished population is a healthier and more productive, hence, improved nutrition can lead to increased energy levels, better concentration, and reduced absenteeism due to illness, contributing to economic growth and development.
Participating health workers shared their experiences on how preventing malnutrition and related health problems, the program can help reduce the burden on the healthcare system and lower healthcare costs in the long run.
They unanimously agreed that investing in preventative nutrition programs is a cost-effective way to improve public health.
They noted that malnutrition can perpetuate the cycle of poverty by hindering physical and cognitive development, limiting educational opportunities, and reducing economic productivity.
By addressing nutritional needs, the program can help break this cycle and improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
The program targets specific nutritional deficiencies prevalent in the Nakuru population, such as iron deficiency or vitamin A deficiency. Addressing these deficiencies can have significant positive impacts on health and well-being among children’s expectant mothers and the aged.
By reviewing the successes and challenges of the past three years, Nakuru County can refine its nutrition strategies and ensure that future programmes effectively address the nutritional needs of its residents, leading to a healthier and more prosperous community.
By Veronica Bosibori and Alvin Kamau