"Improving Maternal & Child Nutrition in Flood-Prone Areas: A Multisectoral Approach"

 

Nutrition Unit in the Department of Health in collaboration with Implementing partners is ready to roll out the first phase of the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) program, targeting flood-affected communities in Bunyala sub-county with a goal to improve nutrition for pregnant women, infants, and young children through behavior-change communication strategies.

Stakeholders from the County Health Management Team and officers from various line ministries participated in a sensitization workshop to help implement BFCI guidelines effectively at the community level.

“Breastfeeding indicators in Busia County are still very low. That's why we're taking a multisectoral approach to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding as recommended in global infant feeding practices,” said Scholastic Nabade, the County Nutrition Coordinator.

According to Ms. Caroline Mola, a master trainer from the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, poor feeding practices contribute largely to malnutrition among mothers and children, with negative long-term health impacts.

The pilot phase is initially focused on two community units attached to Hajula Dispensary, integrating nutrition services through Community Health Promoters (CHPs).

Bunyala sub-county was specifically chosen due to its history of flooding through a program, dubbed “Strengthening Nutrition Resilience and Recovery of Flood Affected Communities in Western and ASAL Counties Project,” which aims to help communities maintain access to health services even after flood events.

To support implementation, 20 community health promoters and healthcare providers from the target area have been trained to roll out the BFCI strategy at the community level.

The program is implemented by the Kenya Red Cross with Donor funding from the French Embassy in Partnership with the Department of Health and Sanitation.

March 15, 2025