Drought disasters

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Kenya: Situational update

13 July 2000

Preliminary Nutrition Survey results in drought affected areas reveal high levels of malnutrition

Malnutrition rates among Kenyan children in the under 5 age group are unacceptably high as a result of drought which has been declared a national disaster in 19 districts. A 6-district food and nutrition survey supported by UNICEF and carried out by the Applied Nutrition Programme, University of Nairobi, attests to this fact. The survey conducted in June, covered some worst-affected divisions in Turkana, Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa.

The objective of the survey was to assess the nutritional status of children under 5, food accessibility problems and possible role for UNICEF in providing supplementary food to malnourished children and women. The data collected included weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference.

Based on weight for height (less than 2 standard divisions from the median) the global acute malnutrition rates were found to be as follows: Kerio Division (Turkana) 37.2%, Loyeingalani Division(Marsabit) 35.2%, Griftu Division (Wajir) 32.6%, Shimbri Division(Mandera) 29.4%, ModogasheDivision (Garissa) 27.2% and Obbu Division(Moyale) 17.3%. The weight for height measurement is very sensitive nutritional indicator and can be used to monitor the decline in nutritional status over short periods of time.

The results of the nutrition survey are being used to better target supplementary feeding activities in the affected areas. Already, 484 metric tons of UNIMIX are being distributed to the affected population. A second batch of 60 metric tons is currently en-route to Marsabit and Turkana. A further 74 metric tons of high energy biscuits will soon be dispatched to boost supplementary feeding in Turkana, Marsabit and Wajir. Two field nutritionists are now stationed in Turkana and Marsabit to coordinate and provide technical support to the on-going feeding programme. Similarly, two public health experts will soon be deployed to Wajir and Mandera to finalise preparation for mass vaccination against polio, measles, de-worming and distribution of vitamin A scheduled for end of July. It is estimated that about 1.7 million children in 11 districts will benefit from this exercise.

Meanwhile with emergency programme funds, and the support of other donors, UNICEF has been able to step-up emergency support supplies. Accordingly, UNICEF is in the process of sending out technical specialists to undertake training and monitoring of sectoral programmes and file regular feedback to the bi-monthly sector coordination teams and donors. Further, at the request of Government of Kenya, UNICEF has taken up coordination responsibilities in health and nutrition, water and sanitation and education in the drought affected areas.

Currently, UNICEF field emergency support activities in Water and Sanitation sector are continuing. UNICEF has been directly supporting the maintenance, rehabilitation or installation of more than 50 water supply points in Turkana, Wajir and Garissa. Fourty additional pumps are being dispatched to the affected districts for installation in sites being drilled by the Kenya Army and the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar. Several community teams are also being trained in chlorination, hygiene and pump maintenance to enhance sustainability.

In order to continue to provide health and nutrition interventions in the drought affected areas, and to pre-position critical supplies in readiness for any epidemic outbreaks, UNICEF needs an additional $1,000,000 for vaccines, needles, syringes, iron folate tablets, oral rehydration solutions, vitamin A, UNIMIX and cold chain equipment. Meanwhile, the amount of UNIMIX currently available to UNICEF falls short of the quantities needed to feed affected children in July and August. A second round of nutrition surveys will soon be carried out in Samburu, West Pokot and Baringo.

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