County Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel presided over the launch of a Stabilisation centre at Kerio in Turkana Central Sub-County on Wednesday.
As part of the Emergency Integrated Health and Nutrition Outreaches (EIHNO) project, the stabilisation centre has undergone successful renovation and is baby-friendly. It aims to address severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) cases with complications.
The County government, in partnership with Save-the-Children Organisation, sponsored Sapcone in renovation exercise at Kerio Health Centre.
Chief Lokoel encouraged mothers to prioritise a balanced diet for their children, which would aid in their recovery.
He appreciated the partners efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in handling nutrition-related cases.
“I appeal to the partners to consider establishing paediatric wards dedicated to the care of children with acute medical conditions,” CCO Lokoel said.
Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinator Cynthia Lokidor highlighted the persistently high malnutrition rates in Turkana County.
She stated that promoting a balanced diet would play an important role in mitigating the prevalence of malnutrition.
Nickson Lomuse, the project officer at Sapcone, underscored how the newly established stabilisation centre would significantly reduce the need for referrals to Lodwar County and Referral Hospital (LCRH).
Turkana Central Sub-County Ministry of Health Officer (MOH) Amos Ekitela expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the partners and assured of the County’s support to ensure the provision of quality healthcare.
Among the attendees were Kerio Ward Administrator Joseph Ekitela and Chairman of the Sapcone Board Sheikh Yusuf Ali Aremons.
By Peter Gitonga
