County sets ground for law to curb malnutrition

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The situation forced the county administration and its partner Nutrition International to prepare the Health Policy last year, paving the way formulation of the Bill.

Governor Wilber Ottichilo said through the policy and forthcoming Bill, the county will be able to address nutrition as a key component in fighting ailments.

The governor acknowledged the importance of nutrition in fighting ailments, noting that the enactment of the Bill will create a legal framework for the sustainability of the programme.

Dr Ottichilo has promised additional funding for nutritional programmes through the county budget allocation.

Nutrition International Deputy Country Director Joy Kiruntimi said the nutrition policy had recommended that the county allocate 0.75 per cent of its annual budget for nutrition-sensitive action.

Vihiga County, in its audit report, shows that it loses almost Sh97 million annually due to a lack of proper regulations to address nutrition issues.

This came just a month after the National Drought Management Authority (NMDA), in a report, identified 18 counties where cases of malnutrition among minors are on the rise due to the recent drought.

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