June 30, 2025

Turkana County has faced some of the highest malnutrition rates, largely due to the cumulative effects of a prolonged drought that begun in 2021. Seasonal diseases like acute watery diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and malaria further worsen the situation during the rains.

As a response, the County Government, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has been conducting bi-weekly emergency health outreaches over the last three years, with the last cycle just completed in Turkana South and Loima Sub-Counties. This final cycle marks the end of IRC’s three-year Integrated Emergency Drought Response in the region, funded by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).

Bringing lifesaving services directly to the doorstep of the most remote communities in Turkana South and Loima Sub-Counties, the outreach delivered a comprehensive package of care — including nutrition screening and treatment, maternal health support, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services, and protection interventions.

This last outreach also served as an opportunity to inform communities of IRC’s exit and the County Government’s assumption of responsibility for sustaining future services. The communities and stakeholders were also prepared for the integration of outreach services into the Department of Health.

The initiative purposed to provide high-impact nutrition assistance, reduce the risk of WASH-related diseases, with a focus on children under the age of five and pregnant and lactating women (PLWs).

The County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr Esekon Joseph Epem spoke about the transformative impact of this program in the community.

“This partnership with IRC has transformed how we respond to malnutrition—by putting communities at the center and building sustainable systems. As a County, we are ready to take full ownership of the outreach program to ensure no child is left behind,” said Dr Epem.

Complementing the CECM’s sentiments, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health services, Janerose Tioko shared, “With the skills, tools, and structures already in place, the County Government is well-positioned to sustain the progress made and continue serving our most vulnerable communities.”

Leading this final cycle, the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, James Lobokan said the initiative was designed to bring integrated healthcare closer to communities at the grassroots level.

“We are bringing a complete package of a hospital closer to the people. This initiative bridges the gap of long-distance travel, with the nearest facility often 15 kilometres away,” shared Lobokan.

Highlighting the impact Olivia Simiyu, Nutrition Officer at IRC mentioned that the campaign has in general screened a total of 8,050 children and 3,264 PLWs for malnutrition.

“In this last outreach, 1,198 people were reached among them were 406 children. The initiative not only met urgent needs but also built community trust and generated critical feedback to guide future county-led outreach efforts,” she stated.

To ensure sustainability, Director Lobokan added that raising awareness on Social Health Authority registration is vital for future of such outreach efforts under county leadership.

Facility In-Charge at Naposimoru Dispensary, James Losinyen, emphasized the importance of reaching children and mothers in underserved areas.

“This initiative has enabled us to manage conditions like malaria, diarrhoea, and malnutrition that are prevalent in rural areas,” he said. “We call on the county and national governments to step in and continue supporting these essential services after IRC’s exit.”

Philip Ekaru, 46-year-old pastoralist and father of nine, appreciated the multifaceted nature of the outreach.

“Since the beginning of the project, my family and our whole community has benefited. We get our medicines at the outreaches because of the vast distance to the hospital,” he shared.

William Loolel, a Community Health Promoter (CHP) at Nakwamoru echoed the impact on maternal and newborn health.

“We’ve witnessed real transformation. Mothers are now better informed about maternity care and how to handle newborns,” Loolel said.

Akidor Ekalale, a mother to a newborn who has attended the outreaches for the past year, echoed the Loole’s sentiments.

“Thanks to these outreaches, my children’s health has improved through supplements. We have also received soaps and water jerricans which help us observe good hygiene,” she explained.

Peter Ekai, a participating Nutritionist also noted the importance of early detection and response.

“We’ve screened mothers and newborns for acute and moderate malnutrition to determine what nutritional support they require,” said the nutritionist. “This is a major health challenge in rural areas, often caused by inadequate food supply,” Ekai narrated.

Nauet Ngerepa, a 38-year-old mother to a nine-month-old baby, said the project has not only helped her gain crucial nutrition practices, but also boosted her household income.

“I get my medication, porridge, and nutrition supplements for my baby, and the cash transfer covers food costs,” she said.

According to Akiru Ayanae when she first attended the outreach two months ago, her baby was in critical condition, but swift action by the team saved the child’s life.

“When we first came, my child was very weak, small and struggled to breathe. The doctors quickly attended to him and referred us to the Lokichar Sub- County Hospital where we received further medical intervention. Now, I just come for the nutritional supplements and support,” Ayanae expounded.

Rimao Ewoi, a volunteer nurse who’s been helping coordinate the final outreaches shared there’s lots of improvement recorded especially in children.

“We have reduced cases of malnutrition in both mothers and their children. We coordinate very well with the Sub-County health management team when we refer patients to them for further medical attention and sustainability of healthy nutrition practices,” Rimao stated.

Story by: Esther Mwangi- Assistant Director, Public Communications and Media Relations