By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Ministry of Health’s Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, in collaboration with World Health Organization Kenya Country Office and other partners, has initiated a six-day training workshop on the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM).
The workshop, scheduled from June 24 to 29 at Lake Naivasha Resort, seeks to improve the expertise and understanding of nutritionists and clinicians from 16 counties in Kenya.
Child malnutrition poses a substantial threat to the health and survival of children, as severely malnourished children are 12 times more susceptible to mortality compared to their well-nourished peers.
According to the Ministry of Health, the training featured a standardized training package adapted from the World Health Organization.
“Training Course on the Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition 2022’ including comprehensive clinical practice sessions to improve the quality of care for acute malnutrition in Kenya,” Ministry of Health stated on X.
“The training addresses significant capacity gaps in managing acute malnutrition, particularly in non-ASAL counties.”
Attendees were informed about the latest 2023 WHO guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute malnutrition, providing them with necessary skills to enhance IMAM services in their respective regions and counties.
This initiative is a component of a larger campaign aimed at decreasing malnutrition rates and enhancing the well-being of children in Kenya.