Health and nutrition experts in Embu County have raised concern over the high rate of stunting growth among children aged between 2 and 5 because of malnutrition.
A survey conducted in 2014 by the Kenya Demographic showed that the rate of stunting, which is defined as impaired growth children experience, especially from poor nutrition, stood at 26.8 per cent in the county.
The report from the statistics noted that at least 3% of children were too thin for their height and the underweight prevalence rate was at 11%.
Speaking at Kairuri Health Center in Embu North sub-county on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, during the launch of Malezi Bora programme for this financial year, non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Nutrition International (NI) Coordinator of Child Health Nutrition in the County Joan Irungu said to nip the condition in the bud, there was a need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
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A malnutrition crisis is needed for quick intervention of the situation as health experts have warned that if the trend is not reversed through proper feeding of babies, the county stares at a generation of children that will not live to achieve their full potential in education and career life.
Acting County Director of Health, Dr Stephen Kaniaru, said promotion of proper baby healthcare starts with antenatal care where an expectant woman can get micronutrient supplementation followed by quality postnatal care that includes immunization and counselling on breastfeeding.
“We urge all pregnant women to make a point of attending at least four antenatal clinics to start the baby on the right growth trajectory,” he said.