Nakuru County is in the process of formulating a more comprehensive nutritional policy in order to improve the health and welfare of its population.
The Chief Officer for Public Health, Ms. Alice Abuki, said the new nutritional policy is essential for addressing both undernutrition and malnutrition. It provides a framework for issues such as malnutrition, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies, as well as promoting healthy weight management.
While speaking today at a workshop in a Nakuru hotel, the officer noted that proper nutrition is critical during early childhood for physical and cognitive development.
She added that the nutritional policy will include interventions and programmes targeting pregnant women and young children to ensure they receive adequate nutrients for optimal growth and development.
Abuki observed that promoting a healthy diet has the capacity to prevent chronic diseases, reducing the burden on the healthcare system. This, in turn, can lead to cost savings in healthcare expenditures associated with treating diet-related illnesses such as diabetes.
She said proper nutrition is linked to improved cognitive and educational performance. And the nutrition policy will include initiatives aimed at ensuring school-age children have access to nutritious meals, positively impacting their academic achievements.
She noted that a nutritional policy promotes social equity by ensuring that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to nutritious food and the knowledge to make healthy food choices.
She said the policy will provide a platform for public awareness and education campaigns at the grassroots in order to educate the community about the importance of nutrition, making them more informed consumers.
By Veronica Bosibori
