Concern over high malnutrition rates in West Pokot
Rift Valley
By
Irissheel Shanzu
| Feb 15, 2020
Increased cases of malnutrition in West Pokot County have been attributed to food insecurity.
The malnutrition rate in the region still stands at 45.9 per cent and is above the national figure of 35 per cent. County administration has been urged to adopt a multi-sectoral approach by allocating more funds to reverse the trend.
Civil society organisations in the region describe the situation as a crisis, saying steps should be taken to prevent deaths.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014, the county is leading in malnutrition as a result of food insecurity.
Francis Soprin, the Kapenguria Theatre Group board chairperson yesterday said the county should budget for programmes geared towards reducing malnutrition challenges.
READ MORE
Is government on 'fuliza' mode?
Expert: The shilling has regained value, but don't expect it to last
EAC Central Bank Governors meet in Juba as single currency race debate heats up
Ruto to push for global finance reforms at World Bank meeting
Unearthing the artifacts of WWII: A journey through Matuu and beyond
Roam, County Bus Service partner to deploy 200 electric buses
Budget cuts loom for Parliament thanks to Sh9.6b Bunge Towers
Private sector partnerships important to catalysing sports
Tax stand-off as boda boda riders defy county call to pay
Islamic banking gets traction in Africa as Salaam Bank feted
He called on county administration to allocate more funds to nutritional programmes to reduce malnutrition cases.
“Many children are affected by malnutrition while others have died. We should step up programmes to address this challenge and promote good health among children,” he said during a stakeholders’ meeting by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Organisation.
Leah Chebitwey, the director of Pokot Women Empowerment Organisation said NGOs need support to manage the situation.
“We need to have collective responsibility to avert the problem.”
- Is government on 'fuliza' mode?
- Budget cuts loom for Parliament thanks to Sh9.6b Bunge Towers
- Inside Sh5b NOC-Rubis deal to revamp cash-strapped oil marketer