Nyandarua county government has raised a red flag over the increasing cases of malnutrition in the region as population experts worry about the increased cases of Non Communicable Disease.
County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Dr John Mungai has called on residents to ensure they give their children proper diet for growth.
“We have enough food but our children are not growing to the right height, because the foods are not of the right quantity.
“The stunting rate nationally is at 26 percent against ours at 30 percent. Our County is the largest producer of potatoes and second in milk production as well as vegetables, yet our children are not getting quality foods.
“We are providing school milk to our nursery school children to cushion them from under development as they risk not getting good grades in school as a result of malnutrition,” said Dr Mungai, calling on parents not to sell all the milk, but “first give your child a glass of milk before you sell.”
He noted that through the department of agriculture, the county had started encouraging farmers to practice poultry as a way of boosting their family nutrition.
“Green Beans and Peas are only good for carbohydrates despite their sweetness. Allow them to dry so as to have them gain enough proteins for your children.
“Our nutritionists are working closely with Community Health Volunteers to help families grow nutritious foods while putting more emphasis on feeding children,” added the Medic.
Meanwhile the National Council for Population Development, NCPD, has raised concerns over the increased cases of cancer and other non communicable diseases as a result of increased carbohydrates intake in the county.
Central Regional Population Coordinator Irene Kitur regretted that alcoholism, tobacco consumption as well as poor feeding habits had increased population risk burden.
“Cases of Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension and other non communicable diseases are pegged on our eating habits and there is a need to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in our diet,” added the population expert.
Kitur lauded the county for increased skilled delivery and immunisation that had brought down drastically maternal and child mortality.
By Anne Sabuni
