Kisumu County has partnered with the Red Cross Society to launch a new program aimed at helping victims of the recent floods in Nyando Sub-County. The program is worth Sh11.4 million and is designed to support children and pregnant women who have been severely affected by the floods.
Addressing Malnutrition Among Vulnerable Groups
The floods caused major damage in Nyando, leaving many families struggling to recover. This nutrition program will provide food and supplies to fight malnutrition. The focus is to ensure that families can access nutritious meals and avoid serious health issues.
Rael Mwando, the County Nutrition Coordinator, spoke at the program’s launch. She explained that the main goal is to fight malnutrition, especially wasting. “Wasting is a serious issue, especially for children and pregnant women. This program will help prevent it,” she said.
A Broader Program for Long-Term Recovery
The program is part of a larger project called ‘Strengthening Nutrition Resilience and Recovery for Flood-Affected Communities.’ This project focuses on counties in Western Kenya and ASAL areas. Its main aim is to prevent malnutrition and help those already affected. Nyando is one of the main areas being targeted for help.
Luisalba Ngoma, the Regional Nutrition Officer for the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), explained that the program focuses on children under age 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. These groups are the most vulnerable to malnutrition, especially after a disaster like the floods. “We want to improve their health and make sure they have the nutrition they need to recover,” he said.
Improving Hygiene to Prevent Disease
In addition to the nutrition support, the program also includes the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative. This part of the program aims to improve water and sanitation in the area. Good hygiene is important to stop the spread of diseases, especially after flooding. By improving water access and sanitation, the program hopes to reduce the risk of illness in flood-affected areas.
Key Health Leaders Support the Initiative
Dr. Don Sunday, the County Director of Medical Services, spoke about the importance of the program. He stressed that maternal and child health is a priority. “I am happy to see that this program focuses on these groups. Their health is vital for the community’s recovery,” Dr. Sunday said.
Maurice Oricho, the County Director of Special Programs and Disaster Management, also talked about the program’s importance. “Recovery after floods is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s also about restoring health. This program is helping people recover in ways that are often forgotten,” he said.
Training and Education for Long-Term Health
The program will provide more than just food. It will also offer training on nutrition and healthy eating. This will help families use the food they receive in the best way possible. By teaching good nutrition practices, the program will help families stay healthy in the long term.
Hope for the Future
The floods in Nyando caused a lot of damage. But this new nutrition support gives hope to the affected families. With the help of Kisumu County and the Kenya Red Cross Society, these families can begin to recover. The program is a strong example of what can happen when people work together in times of crisis.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
In the coming weeks, more programs are expected to be launched. These will focus on food security, health care, and sanitation. These efforts will help Nyando Sub-County recover fully from the flood’s impact.
The nutrition support program is one step in the long road to recovery. But it is a crucial one. With the help of Kisumu County, the Red Cross, and other partners, the people of Nyando will have the resources they need to rebuild their lives. They can look forward to a healthier future as they recover from the floods.
For more updates on the recovery efforts in Kisumu and other affected areas, visit Daljoog News.
