Reducing Child Malnutrition in Kenya

Child malnutrition is one of the major challenges facing the world today. Tharaka Nithi Country in eastern Kenya has high prevalence of child malnutrition, with 22% of those under five years of age having stunted growth as a result. The county has unreliable climactic conditions for growing food, and employment rates are low, meaning poverty is widespread.

Malnourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die of common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea and lower respiratory-tract infections. They are also at risk of experiencing cognitive and physical impairments, which can affect their chances of accessing an education as well as their quality of life.

CBM is working in collaboration with Fundació Nous Cims (open link in new tab) to improve child health, maternal health and nutrition in Tharaka Nithi County. Over 3 years, our project aims to support 500 malnourished children (aged 0-5), including working with mothers to increase their knowledge and awareness about nutrition, as well as providing food and job opportunities.

The project will also benefit the wider community, as community leaders will come together to discuss and share local knowledge on how to improve nutrition for children across the county.