Lodwar – April 8, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
A delegation from International Rescue Committee and UNICEF, paid a courtesy call to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem to discuss the close-out of the International Rescue Committee(IRC)-led Integrated Emergency Response Programme. This programme began in June, 2024 and ended in March, 2025.
This meeting marked the conclusion of an intervention aimed at addressing malnutrition, reducing drought impact and lowering mortality in Turkana.
The objective of this meeting was to reflect on the achievements of the programme, emerging challenges, and the way forward for sustaining nutrition gains in the county.
The CECM, calling for a shift towards co-funding and co-creation approaches, explained that malnutrition remains largely a consequence of food insecurity.
“Malnutrition is a reflection of food insecurity. Moving forward, we must embrace co-funding and co-creation approaches to ensure sustainability and reduce over-reliance on development partners,” he said.
He cited the county government’s partnership with Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) operating on a 75:25 co-funding model, as a step towards shared responsibility in financing health interventions.
Dr. Epem further emphasized the need to scale up registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), particularly among refugee populations, noting that only about 2 percent of the total population are currently registered.
“If refugees are not registered under SHA, the transition to sustainable healthcare will delay. We must increase registration to ensure no one is left behind,” he added.
On the nutrition situation, he highlighted gaps in commodity supplies, especially for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). He added that the county, together with partners, is planning mass screening exercises despite constraints caused by reduced donor funding.
Director of Medical Services, Dr Ekiru Kidalio reminded the team that with 46% of the population being children, malnutrition remains a critical challenge in Turkana.
“Turkana has the highest poverty index, with 82% living below the poverty line. However, health is a fundamental human right, and it is our duty to safeguard our population despite the reduction in donor funding, “he said.
Director of Clinical Services under KISEDP, Gladys Arika, noted that while funding remains a challenge, the County Government is working on a transition plan while reviewing policies to ensure inclusivity of both refugees and host communities.
Turkana Area Manager for IRC and team lead, Joshua Rutto, highlighted the need to streamline interventions and strengthen coordination with devolved systems.
“We have made progress, but the nutrition situation still requires sustained support, especially in addressing commodity gaps and reaching the most vulnerable,” he said, stressing the importance of continued collaboration to maintain the gains of the programme.
Present were County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Agnes Mana, members of the County Health Management Team (CHMT), Benson Musau (UNICEF) and the US Embassy team including Audrey Kinyangi, Nancy Amayo, Michael Kimithi.
