Health Official Reveals 24% Of Kakumiro Children Are Stunted

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Health August 10, 2023

A senior Ministry of Health Official has said 24% of Kakumiro children below the age of 5 are stunted. Dr Somalie Namukose, the assistant commissioner for the nutrition division, said stunting is a leading cause of malnutrition.

‘‘Currently, we have 24 percent of children who are stunted in Kakumiro. This is a high number and that’s why we are bringing this campaign here to create awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and good nutrition,” health official said.

She made these remarks earlier this week during the commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week. They held this function at Kakumiro District headquarters.

Apparently, physical and mental development are also hindered by this stunting issue according to Dr Namukose.

This further reveals how it has significant adverse effects on a child’s overall wellbeing. This includes weakened immunity hence being vulnerable to sickness.

The Kakumiro District Health Officer, Dr Edward Sabiti encouraged mothers to properly breastfeed and feed children.

“As Kakumiro, we have put up measures of detecting and identifying stunted children for proper treatment and good feeding. This is before they can get severe effects of malnutrition. We are encouraging parents to embrace breastfeeding and feeding their children with nutrient-rich foods,” Dr Sabiiti said.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched a campaign dubbed ‘Zero stunting among children below five years’. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and good nutrition for children, and mothers.

They also formulated a five-year Maternal, Infant, and Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition (MIYCAN) Action Plan from 2020 to 2025.

It targets different age groups, including children aged 0-5 months, six-23 months, and 24-59 months. Along with this is women of childbearing age (15-49 years) and adolescents aged 10-19 years.

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