MOH, Partners Flag Off Ksh. 27.9 Million RUTF in an Effort to Combat Malnutrition in Turkana and Baringo Counties
The Ministry of Health initiated the distribution of 3,597 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), valued at KSh 27,876,750, to 177 health facilities in Turkana and 1,447 cartons to 69 facilities in Baringo Counties in an effort to combat malnutrition and improve community welfare.
This joint effort by the Ministry and its partners represents a comprehensive strategy to address malnutrition on a national scale.
“Specifically targeting severely affected areas, especially children, this joint effort by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF reflects the government’s commitment to a swift and coordinated response to alleviate the impact on vulnerable populations,” said the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni.
In the country, 26% of children under five have stunted growth. In Kitui and West Pokot, this increases to 46%. In Kenya, 4% of children are wasted and 11% are underweight.
According to a survey, the most dangerous type of hunger, severe acute malnutrition, has increased almost four times in a single year in Turkana alone, from 2.3% to 8.3%. A staggering 12% of children under five in Turkana South are currently experiencing severe acute malnutrition.
The acquisition and distribution of RUTF serve as a testament to the government’s and its partners’ committed efforts to solve the intricate problem of malnutrition.
