IRIN released an article last month depicting the challenges that culture can present in delivering vital nutrition to children.  The article focused on the issues presented by culture in Kenya, in particular, though noted that other cultural norms may similarly influence child health around the world. As Kenyans face month after month of drought, many children are suffering from malnutrition and are being enrolled in supplementary feeding programs. The article, “The role of culture in child nutrition,” depicts some of the challenges that must be overcome to allow these children to obtain the nutrition they need to be healthy.

One nutritional problem Kenyans face, according to the article, is a widespread tendency not to breastfeed babies during their first six months of life. “According to the UN Children’s Fund, exclusive breastfeeding is the perfect way to provide the best food for a baby’s first six months as breastfed infants are much less likely to die from diarrhea, acute respiratory infections and other diseases.” Unfortunately, World Vision nutritionist Humphrey Mosomi reports that in the Marsabit district of Kenya, some 60 percent of mothers gave their babies additional food as well as water within two weeks of birth. Furthermore, Mosomi explains that boys may be introduced to camel milk early as an introduction to the herds they will one day tend.  The belief is that if the male child is first introduced to his mother’s milk, he will not be equipped to fulfill his role in the future. In an effort to improve the situation, traditional birth attendants are being educated about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Mosomi goes on to explain other cultural beliefs which may prevent difficulties regarding child health. Cows, goats and other livestock are often kept instead of sold for food in times of hardship, as ownership implies wealth within the culture and a sale would indicate cowardice and poverty. For a leader, selling off a cow in a time of drought would be a costly political move.
At the heart of many of the problems discussed in the IRIN article, what appears most needed is an increase in resources and education. “Some mothers take the children for immunization but they don’t understand why this is important. They go because the doctor said return on a certain date.”  The article noted that in many areas, the hospitals or clinics are understaffed and unlikely to have the time to explain to the mothers the reasons for the interventions.

The UN World Food Programme will be providing “special supplementary rations to 450,000 children under the age of five as well as to pregnant and nursing mothers in the northern districts of Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana and Wajir,” to combat the effects of the present drought conditions. This additional support is expected to effectively help curb malnutrition levels in the regions, though education remains unmet need.

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