In a move to enhance adolescent health and nutrition, more than1,500 pupils from grades 6 to 8 in Kibwezi, Makueni, Kaiti, and Mbooni sub-counties will benefit from the Mainstreaming Gender in Adolescent Health and Nutrition Project.
This initiative, implemented by Nutrition International, supports women governors' efforts in gender advocacy and mainstreaming.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili officially launched the project at Watuka Primary School in Mbooni on Tuesday.
She emphasized that the project addresses the critical issue of inadequate access to comprehensive and accurate information on sexual and reproductive health among adolescents and young people.
Mulili highlighted the project's primary goal: to enhance knowledge on adolescent sexual reproductive health and promote positive behavioural change among students, teachers, and the community.
The project covers essential topics such as nutrition, drug and substance abuse, and sexual and gender-based violence, tailored specifically for the pilot schools.
"The county is committed to accelerating and scaling up efforts towards nutrition and child protection," said Mulili.
"This project will help reduce incidents of child violations in schools, homes, and the community while improving overall health and nutrition."
Isaak Wachira, the county coordinator for Nutrition International in Makueni, noted that pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers are at high risk of malnutrition, severe anaemia, preterm births, and neonatal deaths.
He added that Nutrition International is scaling up its nutrition education package and weekly iron and folic acid supplementation to reach both adolescent boys and girls in Makueni.
The chair of Watuka Primary School’s Board of Management, who is also the spouse of the Makueni County Assembly Speaker, called on stakeholders to collaborate in combating drug abuse among young children.
Purity Mbilu, the county assembly speaker's spouse praised Deputy Governor Mulili for the initiative, noting that few leaders prioritise gender mainstreaming in adolescent health and nutrition.
The event was also attended by Assistant County Commissioner for Kako Division Jackline Leah, nominated members of the county assembly Hon. Elizabeth Mutindi Kiio, Hon. Sarah Mbilo, Hon. Josephine Muasa, Majority Whip Hon. Joyce Kamene, Director of Gender Jane Makau, and Director of Youth Affairs Boniface Muting'a.