The County Government of Turkana, through the Department of Health and Sanitation, has brought together key Child Health and Early Childhood Development (ECD) partners for a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting aimed at strengthening systems that support children aged zero to three years.
During the meeting, the County and Sub-County Health Management Teams presented progress updates on ongoing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) initiatives, alongside community health activities that now incorporate Nurturing Care into service delivery.
Deputy Director for Family Health Services, Gabriel Lopodo, highlighted the County Government’s advancements in child health while outlining gaps that require partner support.
These include strengthening responsive caregiving, enhancing safety and security for young children, expanding early learning opportunities, and improving monitoring of developmental milestones.
Representing Amref Health Africa, Child Health Technical Officer Reinhard Anzeze shared progress under the Tucheze Tustawi project, noting the positive impact of play and communication interventions.
He emphasised that play-based approaches are critical in stimulating early learning and overall child development.
The stakeholders also reviewed the roles of various actors supporting ECD for children aged 0–3 years, exploring ways to improve coordination across both host and refugee communities.
The meeting evaluated existing profiles from the County Government and the national government to align priorities and enhance collaboration.
Turkana West Medical Officer of Health, Joel Lochor, provided an outlook on sub-county priorities, while partners shared updates on current interventions and identified opportunities for joint action across health, education, and protection sectors.
The engagement concluded with a commitment to develop a comprehensive Joint Action Plan with clearly defined roles and timelines.
According to the county government of Turkana, the plan aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders and ultimately improve outcomes for young children across Turkana, including within Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, and the host communities.
The meeting brought together senior officers from the County Health Management Team, directors attached to KISDEP (Medical Services and Education), Kakuma Municipality, and representatives from UNHCR, Amref Health Africa, Kenya Red Cross Society, International Rescue Committee, Department of Refugee Services, Child Protection Services, and other humanitarian organisations active in ECD in Turkana.