Lodwar – January 29, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government, in collaboration with UNICEF Kenya, have conducted a research project aimed at improving screening, identification, and treatment of childhood malnutrition in the region.
The research project R-SWITCH, implementation research to improve the screening for wasting and the identification and treatment of wasted children, was conducted last year by Kenyatta University researchers alongside senior health officials.
Turkana is one of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where severe droughts, floods, and climate change have led to persistent public health and nutrition emergencies. The county has one of the highest rates of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates at 21.8%.
Speaking during the project’s results dissemination meeting, Director for Nutrition and Dietetics, Nana Saada emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention in the management of malnutrition.
“The county has implemented several innovative strategies, including Family-led (MUAC) Mid-Upper Arm Circumference screening and Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition IMAM to improve detection and response to childhood malnutrition,” said Saada.
The R-SWITCH initiative will introduce digital tools to improve early detection of malnourished children at the household level. The digital tools include digitized MUAC screening, two-way messaging platform, and baby-mother scales.
The Co-Principal Investigator from Kenyatta University, Prof Sophie Odholo, highlighted the county’s high malnutrition burden and the urgent need for improved healthcare access in remote areas.
“This project will strengthen collaboration between health workers, community health promoters, and caregivers to ensure children receive timely treatment,” she said.
The workshop was attended by Kenyatta University Co-Investigators Dr Dorothy Othoo and Felix Onduk. Senior county officials included James Lobokan (Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation), Dr Joseph Lolepo (Director of Community Health Services) and Gabriel Lopodo (Head of Family Health Division).
