Nyong’o: Kisumu cuts under-five deaths from 66 to 37 per 1,000
Nyong’o attributed the progress to the efforts of health workers, parents and development partners while calling for renewed investment to further reduce child deaths.
Kisumu County in Kenya has seen a significant reduction in under-five mortality rates, with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o reporting a drop from 66 to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births over the past decade. Nyong’o credited the decrease to the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, parents, and development partners, while emphasizing the need for increased investment to further reduce child deaths.
The governor set the county's goal at UNICEF's target of 25 deaths per 1,000 live births. This progress was discussed at a recent gathering focused on the Child Nutrition Fund Programme, an initiative backed by UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The county allocated Sh10 million for the program’s initial year, with potential for additional funding as it grows.
The initiative will be managed by the county’s Department of Public Health and Medical Services, targeting community-based interventions to improve child nutrition. It will also provide training for healthcare workers to enhance nutrition services and ensure appropriate care for young children. Nyong’o stressed that strengthening child nutrition is vital for the health and learning readiness of the county’s children.
The Governor reiterated the county's commitment to collaborating with development partners to enhance child health outcomes, aiming for the 25 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births target and beyond. The discussion involved representatives from various sectors, including health, agriculture, gender, and education, and will be complemented by research, innovation, and monitoring expertise from institutions such as CHAMPS, Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology, and Maseno University.
This program aims to supplement existing health and nutrition initiatives, helping Kisumu County continue its efforts to reduce preventable child mortality through improved community healthcare, nutrition, and healthcare worker capacity.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
