Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Scholar Dr. Rose Opiyo, who is the Principal Investigator of the iHELP project, conducted a three-day intensive health and nutrition assessment of children enrolled in various established iHELP centers in Ikolomani Sub-County from 19th - 21st January, 2022. The aim of this project is to roll out home-based Centres to increase opportunities for Children to access Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
Speaking during the event, Dr. Opiyo reiterated that she is committed to see the Centres transform the livelihoods of the communities and ensure the Centres provide the children with the best education foundation. “I am pleased that this project has picked up well and the community is embracing it. We are keen in supporting the parents economically to ensure sustainability of this project. I look forward to having more children enrolled and enjoy the many services iHELP is offering to them,” she added.
Dr. Rose Opiyo, children and parents at Central iHELP centre.
The Chief Executive Officer-Tajizuri Foundation’s nutrition expert Ms. Martina Adega, assisted in carrying out various assessments on the children. Some of the key examinations carried out included growth monitoring (weight, height and Mid Upper Arm Circumference), oral hygiene, health talk to mothers and high impact nutrition intervention where they administered Albendazole (ABZ) and Vitamin A.
All the three iHELP Centres have picked up well and there was a good turnout of children and mothers during the exercise. The surrounding communities of the Centres have welcomed the initiative and have shown massive support towards the development of the centers. The current estimation of children enrolled in the Centres are as follows; Umoja centre in Idakho South- 35 children, Central centre in Idakho Central- 50 children and Cardinal centre in Idakho East- 32 children. These numbers depict the community's good will since all the Centres have been in existence for a period of just two months.
Ms. Martina Adega examining a child.
Notably, in every centre, children with disabilities were among those assessed and this portrays the inclusive nature of the project. Various interventions and follow up mechanisms have been designed to ensure they are well attended to. The three-day event was also attended by MMUST staff, Ms. Doreen Kathure and Mr. Zadock Maingi, who also played a key role in the assessment of children and offering responsive Caregiving education to the mothers as well as caregivers in the respective Centres.
The Centers’ visits revealed that a lot of training should be offered to the children's caregivers to reduce chances of infections among the children. Additionally, Ms. Elizabeth Misiko, one of parents at the centre, attested to the great support she has received from the centre since the time she enrolled her daughter into the centre.
The iHELP project will certainly boost the health of the children involved in the project and change the livelihoods of the residents in Ikolomani. The initiative is open to any other donors that wish to support it.
Dr. Rose Opiyo addressing parents during the event
