Health Champions Emerge in Kayole: Training Empowers Community Health Promoters

In Kayole, a group of dedicated individuals has stepped up to champion the health of their community. The Nutrition Alliance for Planetary Health and Budgets (NAPHBUT) organized a one-day training for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), focusing on the vital link between nutrition and the well-being of our planet.   The training brought together 35 participants, predominantly women, along with key community figures like village elders and a representative for people with disabilities. These CHPs came from various settlements within Kayole Central Subcounty, demonstrating a united front from across the community

The session was led by Samira Nassir and Jamal Mwangi, who introduced NAPHBUT's core mission: to improve nutrition, promote planetary health, and advocate for transparent use of public resources. The training tackled the complex issue of malnutrition in Kenya, explaining the "triple burden" of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity. Participants gained practical knowledge, including how to assess malnutrition using MUAC tapes.   A significant portion of the training explored the impact of climate change on food security.

The CHPs discussed how shifting weather patterns threaten food availability and affordability in Kayole, ultimately affecting the nutritional health of residents. The devastating effects of the 2024 El Nino floods were analyzed in detail, with participants collaboratively brainstorming solutions to mitigate future crises.  This initiative has equipped Kayole's Community Health Promoters with crucial knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. By addressing nutrition and planetary health, these health champions are working to cultivate a healthier and more resilient future for their community.