Health officials in Uasin Gishu are stepping up efforts to improve care for children living with cleft conditions through specialized training for nutritionists and occupational therapists.

The training focused on equipping health workers with skills to address feeding difficulties that often leave children with cleft conditions at risk of malnutrition.

Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services, Dr. Billy Lubanga, emphasized the importance of early intervention.

“We must strengthen the skills of our health workers so that children with cleft conditions receive timely, appropriate and compassionate care.”He noted

Director of Preventive Services, Laban Kiprop, said nutritionists play a critical role in the early identification and management of children experiencing feeding challenges.

“Nutritionists are often among the first health professionals to interact with these children. Equipping them with the right knowledge will improve early management, referral and overall outcomes,” he said.

The training covered basic anatomy, appropriate feeding techniques for children with cleft conditions and psychosocial support.

Dr. Luke McAuley, who explained the feeding process, stressed the importance of practical skills among caregivers and health workers.

“Understanding how a child with a cleft condition feeds is essential. With the right techniques and support, we can make feeding safer and help these children achieve better nutrition and development,” he said.

The training brought together health professionals and partners, including Susan Bett, Assistant Director of Nutrition; Merecia Nguka, Shuah Mugala, Operation Smile Nutrition Program Manager Molly Karimi, Operation Smile Program Coordinator Ian Maina, Operation Smile Program Assistant, and James Mutuma, Operation Smile Patient Coordinator.

The initiative is expected to strengthen early identification, feeding support and referral for children with cleft conditions, while helping reduce their risk of malnutrition and improve their overall health and development.