The Health and Nutrition programme seeks to promote the health and nutrition status of vulnerable people in Northern Kenya and especially the women and children. Optimal nutrition ensures proper development of a child’s brain and body cells, enabling them to grow into productive adults who can contribute to the development of their society.
The organization recognizes the need for a healthy citizenry for economic development. The organization will develop effective health and nutrition programs that will involve :
- Nutrition Programs for Children Below 6 Year
- Nutrition for aging Persons in the affected area
- Education Support Programs
- Feeding Programs
- HIV testing and management Programs.
A CHEERS Kenya nurse in Turkana Central, northern screens a child during community outreach. Many health facilities in the region have reported a dramatic increase in the number of children being admitted with severe malnutrition. Turkana is facing a deepening food crisis following delayed and depressed rains. As a result, thousands have been left without food.
Summary: Rains were delayed, then when they came, very depressed. Lands remain very dry and bare. The grazing lands are without vegetation, threatening a million livestock in drought prone Turkana region in Kenya’s northern region that is largely pastoralist. The dry conditions are threatening the lives of about 300,000 people including children.
Children under five are severely malnourished from lack of enough and nutritious food. Officials warn of a humanitarian emergency if the dry conditions persist-this means more deaths. CHEERS Kenya is on the ground providing lifesaving nutrition interventions, but the needs are growing. This story highlights the plight of hungry residents in Turkana.
