Even as statistics from the Health ministry indicate that malnutrition is still a major challenge to safe motherhood in North Eastern region, a new research has revealed that there is still a big gap in providing proper diet for pregnant women across the counties.
“Undernourished expectant women were found to be at an increased risk of maternal mortality and giving birth to physically disabled children and under weight babies," states the research findings.
The study that was undertaken by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) also disclosed the prevalence of anemia at 12 percent low in 2015 as compared to 38 percent recorded in 2011. The research statistics that were released on September 14th showed that micro-nutrient and dietary deficiencies still remain big concern among women.
It, however, recommended that maternal nutrition be adopted by all county governments to inform appropriate interventions and strategies towards changing the trend.
Speaking during the official release of the research findings, KEMRI's Head of research in non-communicable Diseases Helen Meme said that having the knowledge on micro-nutrients was very important and advised that intensified efforts to reduce the heavy burdens of poor nutrition on women was the only option.