Child malnutrition: How Kenya's AI model can forecast rates six months before

Ibrae Kotore of Kenya Red Cross assists Fatuma Ailla of Isiolo County measures the Mid Upper Arm Circumference of her 2 Year baby. [File, Standard]

Globally, nearly half of the deaths of children under five years are linked to malnutrition. In Kenya, it’s the leading cause of illness and death among children.

Children with malnutrition typically show signs of recent and severe weight loss. They may also have swollen ankles and feet. Acute malnutrition among children is usually the result of eating insufficient food or having infectious diseases, especially diarrhoea.