About Us
Agency for Cross Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is a Non-Governmental Organization duly registered under the Non-Governmental Organization Board Registration Number: OP.218/051/18- 093/11308 with its head office in Lodwar town, Turkana County.
Contact Us
Turkwel Building, Norad road, Nawoitorong area
P.O Box 342-30500 LODWAR
Copyright © 2025 APaD . All Rights Reserved.
Community Health and Nutrition in Turkana
Community health and nutrition are critical areas of focus in Turkana, a region facing unique challenges such as food insecurity, harsh climatic conditions, and limited access to healthcare services. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is essential in addressing these challenges in a holistic and integrated manner.
Community Health in Turkana
Turkana County experiences significant health challenges, including high rates of malnutrition, maternal and child mortality, and the spread of communicable diseases. The harsh environment, combined with the nomadic lifestyle of many pastoralist communities, makes it difficult to ensure consistent healthcare access. The One Health approach is especially relevant in Turkana, as it emphasizes the integration of human health, animal health, and environmental factors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes.
Nutrition in Turkana
Malnutrition remains a major issue in Turkana, largely driven by food insecurity, poverty, and the impacts of climate change on food production. Acute malnutrition, especially among children under five, continues to be a concern. Addressing malnutrition requires a multi-faceted approach that includes emergency food aid, supplementary feeding programs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security in the long term.
APaD’s Role in Community Health and Nutrition
APaD plays a crucial role in addressing the community’s health and nutrition challenges through various community-based programs:
One Health Initiatives: APaD collaborates with local communities and government agencies to implement the One Health approach. This involves training community health volunteers, integrating animal health services with human health initiatives, and addressing environmental factors such as water and sanitation, which significantly impact health.
Donkey Treatment Programs: Recognizing the importance of donkeys in the livelihoods of pastoralists, APaD partners with the county government to provide veterinary services for donkeys. Healthy donkeys improve livelihoods, which in turn supports better nutrition and health outcomes for the entire community.
Training Community Disease Reporters: APaD empowers local communities by training disease reporters, who are key to the early detection and reporting of disease outbreaks. This initiative helps prevent the spread of communicable diseases affecting both humans and animals, contributing to overall community health and strengthening health surveillance systems.
Nutrition Programs: APaD engages in a variety of nutrition-focused interventions, including promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, providing nutritional education, and supporting community-based supplementary feeding programs. These initiatives are essential for improving food security and addressing malnutrition in the region.
Community Health Education: Regular health education sessions are conducted by APaD, focusing on preventive healthcare, hygiene practices, and the importance of vaccination. These sessions empower community members with the knowledge to improve their health and nutrition, ensuring long-term well-being.
Through its comprehensive approach, APaD is improving health outcomes and nutrition in Turkana, helping communities build resilience against environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable access to essential services.
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