The worst-hit is Turkana South, where malnutrition rates are worse than in some parts of war-torn Somalia. There are now almost 370,000 children across Kenya who require treatment for acute malnutrition, including 72,600 who are suffering from the most severe form, which requires specialised, life-saving care. Severe acute malnutrition is an extreme form of hunger that makes people literally waste away and leaves children vulnerable to deadly diseases such as cholera, measles and acute watery diarrhoea. Turkana Central, Turkana North and North Horr in Marsabit registered acute malnutrition rates between 30 and 37 per cent. Unicef is supporting the government in the coordination of the drought response by providing lifesaving commodities, monitoring and response, including the treatment of more than 46,000 children for severe acute malnutrition.

Source: The Star September 15, 2017 21:56 UTC