Hard economic times leading to stunted children’s growth
The soaring and challenging economic conditions are identified as significant contributors to slow and stunted growth among children in Nairobi County.
However, the problem disproportionately affects low-income earners.
Inadequate and nutritionally deficient food intake among children is a major factor affecting their growth.
According to Diana Muriithi, a nutritionist working with the County Government of Nairobi, children find themselves in these situations due to their parents’ commitment to providing for them.
The main cause, Diana states, is the escalating cost of living, making it difficult for most parents to afford a balanced diet and sufficient food.
“In Nairobi County, for instance, to cope with the high cost of living, parents have no choice but to work harder. Consequently, their children become vulnerable, spending the entire day with minimal food, and some even go hungry,” the expert explains.
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This challenge significantly impacts a child’s growth, with the peak being the occurrence of malnutrition-related illnesses.
Diana regrets that the diet is not well-balanced for those who can afford food.
“For a child to grow in good health, they should be fed a nutritionally rich diet. Unfortunately, very few in Nairobi can afford it,” she emphasises.
Essential nutrients for the human body include vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates, not forgetting vital minerals.
Each meal should include a variety of fruits, especially if vegetables are not available.
While many parents are compelled to leave their children in daycare centers, Diana informs Nairobi News that not all children are well taken care of by the caregivers.
“Some caregivers forget to feed the children their packed food, and if it spoils, they end up sharing it with other children. This means the child would not get enough, resulting in stunted and slow growth,” she explains.
Addressing some of these health challenges, Diana advises parents to take responsibility and ensure their children receive proper care.
The expert, serving in the Kasarani Sub-County, says the predicament in Nairobi is a reflection of other regions in the country.
“The situation is also experienced in other parts of the country.”
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Sealing the gap, Diana reveals that Governor Johnson Sakaja’s government, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, has initiated a special program to provide children with nutrients and minerals through food.
“We are distributing essential nutrients and minerals dubbed Micronutrients Powders (MNPs) to improve children’s growth. A child is given one sachet per day,” she suggests.
MNPs, Diana discloses, contain a combination of nutrients and vitamins, targeting children aged between six months and five years.
The nutrients and minerals are added to a child’s food.
According to the expert, MNPs are available to chemists across Nairobi County.