Government distributes malnutrition commodities in dry areas

Over 1970 health facilities in arid and semi-arid counties have since February been receiving nutritional commodities for acute malnutrition.
This came in the wake of 541, 309 children aged between six to 59 months and 30, 712 pregnant and lactating women being said to be in need of treatment for acute malnutrition.
Speaking Friday during a food and Nutrition Security situation for 2018 short rains and 2019’s long rain, the director technical services at the National Drought Management Authority, (NDMA) Sunya Orre said despite the nutrition situation, generally remaining stable in most parts, it was critical in counties including Turkana, Samburu, Mandera and also East Pokot and North Horr sub counties in Baringo and Marsabit.
“Counties such as Wajir, Tana River, West Pokot and Laisamis Sub County in Marsabit are at serious phase while Isiolo, Saku and Moyale sub counties of Marsabit are classified as alert level,” he explained.
Laikipia, Kitui, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Kilifi, Kwale and Lamu, Orre added are classified as acceptable phase.
“The nutrition situation is likely to remain stable across these areas during the March-May projection period except for Wajir and Tana River which are likely to deteriorate to critical and Isiolo to serious phase,” he said.
Veronica Kirogo, head of nutrition, Ministry of health said since February, the government together with other partners has been distributing nutrition commodities in the health facilities to take care of the acute malnutrition situation.
However, she warned that while the nutrition situation is projected to remain stable in most areas, there is potential for fast deterioration should the 2019 long rains performance be poor.
“If the long rains do not improve, the nutrition situation is likely to triple as this will affect the food and nutrition security situation. But we are prepared and have sufficient supplies to take care of any eventualities,” she said.
Food and Nutrition Security Assessment (FNSA) assessment for the 2019 short rains was conducted between 11th and 22nd February with the overall objective of assessing to determine the extent and impact of the short rains of 2019 on food and security in 23 ASAL counties of Kenya, considering the effects of previous seasons and other shocks and hazards that have an impact on food security.
By Wangari Ndirangu