The race for
child survival programme was held today at Lodwar mixed primary school where 5
primary schools from Turkana central sub-county converged. St. Patrick’s
Kanamkemer, St. Michael Kawalase, St. Mary’s mixed, Nabulon girls and Lodwar
mixed all participated in the race which aims at tackling malnutrition in a bid
to reduce deaths of children from preventable causes. Race for survival is an
annual event supported and organized by Save the children organization.
According to
a survey conducted on August this year, the rate of malnutrition in Turkana County
is as high as 28% which is above 15% threshold set by world health
organization. More than 17,000 children under 5 years perish everyday from
easily preventable causes such as malaria and diarrhea. Speaking during the
event, Save the children country director, Duncan Harvey gave three priority
areas where the county and national government should focus on in tackling
malnutrition.
Turkana
county deputy governor, Hon. Peter Ekai, who was also the chief guest, said the
county government has invested lump sum amount of money in dealing with health
issues
The race for
survival event was an action taken for children voices to be heard on the
urgent need to end preventable diseases.
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