Turkana: The Department for Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with SAPCONE, has initiated the piloting of a Positive Deviance (PD) Health program. This initiative is aimed at empowering communities to utilize locally available resources and food to combat malnutrition and provide sustainable nutrition solutions in Aroo Sub-County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the program has already benefited 968 children, including 457 children under the age of five who participated in the initial phase and an additional 511 by the end of May 2025. The program specifically targets facilities in Lopur, Korinyang, Lokapel, Kalemung'orok, and Kaputir, which have a high prevalence of underweight children.
The PD Hearth approach features a 12-day session where families are instructed on preparing meals for their children using resources from community kitchen gardens. Follow-up assessments are conducted to monitor improvements in children's body mass index. The term 'Hearth' refers to a community setting where these nutritional practices are taught and adopted.
During a recent meeting, Janerose Tioko, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, emphasized the program's unique approach in empowering communities to implement sustainable nutrition practices using locally sourced foods such as groundnuts, eggs, and kale. She highlighted the program's potential to address severe and acute malnutrition among children across the county.
Chief Tioko called for collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and government agencies, to sustain and expand the program. She also stressed the importance of increased resource allocation and community engagement to ensure lasting impact. The county government, she assured, is committed to supporting the program to strengthen nutrition practices and improve health outcomes for vulnerable families.
Dr. Joseph Lolepo, Director of Community Health Services, expressed dedication to scaling up the PD Hearth approach within Turkana County, citing its effectiveness in leveraging community-driven solutions for enhancing child health. SAPCONE Nutrition Coordinator Nickson Omuse reported that the initiative has enhanced the capacity of 24 healthcare workers from 16 facilities and trained 100 Community Health Promoters to extend these practices at the household level.
Director Lolepo also acknowledged the crucial role of SAPCONE's grassroots mobilization and the World Food Programme's technical and logistical support in the program's success. The meeting was attended by other SAPCONE staff, Community Health Assistants, Community Health Promoters, and community stakeholders.