New push to curb child malnutrition launched in drought-hit Kenya, Somalia

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale (centre) alongside Dahabshiil Group CEO Abdirashid Duale (right) and Save the Children UK CEO Moazzam Malik, during the launch of partnership in Nairobi.  

A new initiative seeking to deliver maternal and child health services in drought-hit parts of Kenya and Somalia has been launched as rising malnutrition threatens thousands of children.

According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 18 per cent of children under five in Kenya are stunted, 5 per cent are wasted, and 10 per cent are underweight, reflecting chronic and acute malnutrition across the country.

The partnership between Dahabshiil Group and Save the Children aims to use private remittance networks to support health services for families facing hunger and limited access to care.

Prolonged drought continues to affect Kenya and Somalia, with 4.2 million people impacted in Kenya and 7.8 million in Somalia, according to the United Nations.

In Kenya, around 1.1 million women and children face acute malnutrition as water scarcity and displacement worsen food insecurity.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who attended the launch in Nairobi, said the collaboration would support Kenya’s universal health coverage goals.

“This partnership aligns with our commitment to extend health services to communities affected by drought and food insecurity,” said Duale.

Dahabshiil Chief Executive Abdirashid Duale said the company would use its financial infrastructure to facilitate mobile cash transfers for maternal and child healthcare in areas with limited services.

“This partnership allows us to reach more mothers and children who walk long distances to seek treatment,” noted Abdirashid.

Save the Children UK Chief Executive Moazzam Malik said collaboration between humanitarian and private actors was needed as drought and displacement continue across the region.

“Bringing together humanitarian and private actors is critical if we are to meet the needs of children in crisis,” explained Malik.

Save the Children Somalia Country Director Mohamud Hassan said the initiative would enable faster delivery of health services in hard-to-reach areas.