Nutrition, Diet and Health Tips

According to projections from Save the Children & UNICEF, global hunger is reaching crisis levels, driven by factors such as climate crises, economic instability, pandemics, and population growth.

The impact of malnutrition will be widespread, with vulnerable groups like children facing heightened risks due to their critical nutrition needs for growth and development.

To combat this looming menace, proactive measures are essential, starting at home with the utilization of locally available foods and services. Here are some  Actionable Strategies:

1. Urban Farming Education Campaigns: Launch campaigns promoting urban farming, particularly in major cities like Nairobi where malnutrition rates persist. Educate communities on cultivating locally available foods to enhance nutritional quality.

2. Promoting Local Food Farming: Encourage the cultivation of indigenous crops such as millet, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, various beans, traditional vegetables, and indigenous fruits. This approach ensures nutrient-rich diets, especially for vulnerable groups like children.

3. Supporting Community-Centered Initiatives: Leverage existing policies and qualified nutrition professionals to address malnutrition. The underutilized cadre of Nutritionists and Dietitians can play a crucial role in preventive, protective, and promotive healthcare through community engagement and education.

4. Social Media Advocacy: Harness the power of social media platforms by encouraging nutrition and health professionals to create content. Use platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter to share realistic, relatable, and locally relevant solutions, shifting focus from Western world solutions to addressing Kenyan-specific challenges.

5. Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Conduct social outreaches for early diagnosis, proper referral, and treatment of malnutrition cases. Increase home visits and community outreach frequency to promptly address identified malnutrition concerns.

6. Lobbying for Government and Stakeholder Support: Advocate for support from government, NGOs, well-wishers, and CBOs to secure funds for nutrition-related projects. Closing gaps in actions and activities will expedite recovery, safeguarding children from the dire effects of malnutrition.

In the comment section, share your thoughts on these solutions and suggest additional strategies to collectively tackle malnutrition in Kenya. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful nutrition and health content.

Signed with love always,
Lilian Mutanu Mumina
Registered Dietitian
Mumina Wellness Solutions
MPH, BSc. Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics.

Kenyan Nutrition Professionals discussing the Actionable solutions to combatting Malnutrition in the Country.