Proactive approach needed to reduce stunted growth in children in Kenya
By James Adede.
Child health and malnutrition are critical issues in Kenya that need urgent attention. More than a quarter of children under the age of five in the country, or two million children, have stunted growth. According to UNICEF, stunting is the most frequent form of under-nutrition among young children. If not addressed, it has devastating long-term effects, including diminished mental and physical development. In addition, 11 per cent of children are underweight, with four per cent wasted. Wasting and severe wasting are linked to increased and preventable deaths among young children.
Although Kenya has made significant progress in reducing child malnutrition, the country still faces the triple burden of malnutrition, characterized by the co-existence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity. This situation is aggravated by the geographic inequities and disparities, especially in the arid and the semi-arid (ASAL) counties. Despite the country’s progress in technological advancements and innovation, the impact of child undernutrition on these sectors cannot be ignored. Addressing this issue is crucial for the overall development of the nation.
Child undernutrition has severe consequences on a child’s physical and cognitive development. Malnourished children are more likely to suffer from stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and impaired brain development. These effects can have long-lasting implications on their educational attainment, productivity, and ability to contribute to technological advancements and innovation in the future.
Malnutrition also increases the risk of morbidity and mortality among children, leading to increased healthcare costs and a burden on the healthcare system. This diverts resources that could otherwise be invested in research and development of technology and innovation. To address child health and malnutrition in Kenya, a multi-faceted approach is required including working with various stakeholders such as ChildFund International.
Here are some suggested key strategies that can be implemented:
1.Promote breastfeeding: Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life is crucial for their nutritional needs. It provides essential nutrients and antibodies, reducing the risk of malnutrition and associated health issues.
2.Improve access to nutritious food: Enhancing agricultural practices and promoting sustainable farming techniques can increase the availability and affordability of nutritious food. This can be achieved through investments in irrigation systems, training farmers on modern farming techniques, and providing access to credit for small-scale farmers.
3.Enhance nutrition education: Educating parents and caregivers on proper nutrition, meal planning, and food preparation techniques is essential. This can be done through community-based programs, health clinics, and schools to ensure that children receive a balanced diet.
4.Strengthen healthcare systems: Improving access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas, is crucial for early detection and management of malnutrition. This includes training healthcare workers on nutrition assessment and counseling, as well as providing necessary supplements and treatments for malnourished children.
5.Collaborate with the private sector: Engaging the private sector, including food companies and technology firms, can bring innovative solutions to address child malnutrition. This can involve partnerships to develop fortified food products, mobile applications for nutrition tracking, and other technological advancements to improve child health.
6.Conduct research and data collection: Investing in research and data collection on child health and malnutrition is essential for evidence-based decision-making. This can help identify the underlying causes, monitor progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
By addressing child health and malnutrition, Kenya can ensure that its future generations are healthy, well-nourished, and equipped to contribute to the country’s technological advancements and innovation. It requires a comprehensive approach involving government, civil society, private sector, and international partners to achieve lasting change.
James Adede is the Grants Acquisition & Management Manager at ChildFund International Kenya, and a member of Kenya Scaling-Up Nutrition Civil Society Alliance
