Lodwar – July 28th, 2026 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
A research project implemented in Turkana South over an 18 months period has revealed that Caregiver-led child nutrition screening can significantly improve early detection and, enhance timely referral of affected children for proper intervention.
The findings were presented during a three-day validation of the R-SWITCH project report that was jointly implemented by the County Government and International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Turkana South and Aroo Sub-County Medical Officer of Health Veronica Ereng says the innovation has addressed delays in identifying malnourished children at household and community levels.
She noted that caregivers, who previously depended on Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and health workers, can now conduct bi-weekly screening at home, enabling early detection and timely referral for treatment.
Turkana South Nutrition Coordinator Joseph Karagu said the project has strengthened caregivers’ confidence and commitment to monitoring their children’s nutritional status.
He added that caregivers quickly adapted to using the simplified MUAC tapes and mobile phone reporting, reducing the workload on health facilities while creating community champions for child nutrition.
Turkana South Sub-County Nutrition Coordinator William Abong said the intervention has improved Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) coverage, with more children being identified early and referred for treatment by trained caregivers.
Despite the gains, Turkana South Health Records Officer Dorothy Maasai said child wasting remains a concern due to competing livelihood activities, particularly mining in Aroo Sub-County, which limits the time caregivers spend monitoring their children.
She also noted that boys are more affected because many begin livestock herding at an early age, reducing caregiver supervision and routine nutrition monitoring.
Maasai further cited shortage of commodities and reporting tools. She noted that some facilities experienced stock-outs, disrupting treatment and discouraging caregivers from seeking nutrition services.
