Makueni County has sent a Sh2.6 million consignment of supplies to the Makueni County Referral Hospital to combat malnutrition.
Moreover, 121 health facilities across the county will receive essential nutrition supplements and weighing scales to address acute malnutrition.
Eni Kenya supports a program aimed at assisting malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years, expectant mothers, and lactating women.
Speaking during the dispatch of the consignment, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. emphasized the need to combat the rising malnutrition levels beyond the national average.
“Makueni has malnutrition averages that exceed the national ones, which then tabulate to severe malnutrition,” said the governor.
He noted that malnutrition significantly impacts children’s growth and brain strength, prompting the government to address gaps in affected subcounties of Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West, and Mbooni.
The governor emphasized the importance of using supplements and weighing scales to monitor children’s growth and identify malnutrition promptly, and promised Makueni residents another consignment in three months.
Consequently, he also acknowledged and appreciated the role played by partners UNICEF, Nutrition International, and Eni-Kenya in helping to address the escalating malnutrition cases.
“We had asked our partners to help us with those nutrition supplements.They are coming on board since it is something that is a problem worldwide and we will ensure that we have reports that show us what is happening in Makueni,” added Mutula Jr.
He also urged breastfeeding mothers to capitalize on the efforts put forward by the county in addressing malnutrition and ensure that they do exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months as advised, as it aids in the seamless growth of their children.
The governor was accompanied by the Makueni County CECM for Health, Dr. Paul Musila, and representatives of the Eni-Wote branch, among others.
By Albanus Kioko
