The issue of child malnutrition is not one that can be ignored, and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, has made it abundantly clear that Kenya is ready to confront this pressing challenge head-on. Her recent remarks at the UNGA Side Event on Child Survival in the Hunger and Malnutrition Crisis have highlighted the critical importance of taking immediate action in the Horn of Africa.
This high-level gathering, which brought together world leaders at the Lexington Hotel, served as a powerful platform to address the heart-wrenching reality of child malnutrition in the region. Nakhumicha’s message was clear: it’s time for a concerted effort to protect our most vulnerable population – our children.
Central to her remarks was the call for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to nutrition security. She stressed that political commitment is the linchpin in the fight against malnutrition. Kenya has already taken proactive steps, including initiatives like fertilizer subsidies and the implementation of the Afya Bora Mashinani model for Universal Health Coverage. These actions demonstrate the nation’s unwavering dedication to its citizens’ well-being.
Furthermore, CS Nakhumicha did not shy away from addressing the ominous threat of an El Niño event looming on the horizon. She wisely called for international support to effectively tackle these complex challenges. Her plea for technical and financial support, collaborative efforts, and innovative solutions underscores Kenya’s determination to protect vulnerable children, not only within its borders but also beyond.
The grim reality is that the Horn of Africa has endured five consecutive missed rainy seasons, resulting in over 50,000 fatalities, with young children under 5 bearing the greatest burden of this crisis. Within Kenya itself, the number of malnourished children under 5 has seen a disturbing surge, affecting nearly one million young lives, along with 142,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This alarming increase serves as a stark contrast to the figures from the previous year.
CS Nakhumicha’s address at the UNGA Side Event serves as a clarion call to action. It is a reminder that child malnutrition is not an issue that can be relegated to the sidelines. Kenya’s commitment to combat this crisis is a testament to the nation’s resilience and determination to protect its most vulnerable citizens. Now, the international community must join hands with Kenya to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry or suffers the devastating consequences of malnutrition.