Concern Worldwide scales up operations in drought-stricken Kenya

Concern Worldwide is expanding its health and nutrition services in Turkana, northern Kenya, in a bid to curb the damaging impact which the continuing drought in the region is having on children. 

The latest statistics for parts of Turkana show that over 30% of under-fives are acutely malnourished and up to 7.8% are severely malnourished – to the point where they are at risk of dying. Populations with acute malnutrition rates of 15% and over are internationally recognised as being in a state of emergency. 

“I was shocked by what I saw last week during a visit to a local village, both by the level of malnutrition and the numbers of children who were malnourished,” Concern’s regional director for the Horn of Africa Carol Morgan said. “Many of the children in the villages were in a terrible state. I have not seen children so malnourished in years.” 

Turkana, in north-western Kenya, has experienced drought conditions since 2017. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that up to two million people in Kenya currently need food as a result of the lack of rain. The latest rainy season has just ended with below average rainfall and no further rain is due until October. 

“The people in Turkana are pastoralist and depend on their livestock for food and milk,” Carol said.  “Yet during our visit we saw very few cattle or goats. We were told they were away in the hills and therefore the children did not have access to milk.” 

Concern is currently providing health and nutrition clinics in neighbouring Marsabit county and Tana River in Kenya where drought conditions are also being experienced. It is currently operating nine mobile clinics in Turkana to reach and assist malnourished children. As part of its expanded operations in the province it will support an additional 35 mobile clinics. 

For more information on Concern’s work visit www.concern.net.