EDCA has launched a project on maternal, child health and sustainable livelihoods in partnership with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Kenya Limited. The project titled Enhancing Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) (0-5 yrs) and Sustainable livelihood focuses on improving nutrition outcomes and food security across Emali Mulala (Kibwezi West Sub County) and Poka Kenyewa ward (Kajiado East Sub County) in Makueni and Kajiado counties.
The program will provide nutritional and economic support to over 500 children from the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, more than 300 pregnant and lactating women, and over 240 vulnerable households. Additionally, 2,000 children under five will receive Vitamin A supplementation and deworming through community health outreach programs.
Structured around three core pillars, the program will:
- Provide nutritious meals through school-based feeding program
- Improve maternal-child health through focused nutritional support and health interventions
- Empower families economically by introducing poultry-based livelihoods that promote long-term food and income security
Speaking on this partnership, EDCA CEO, Victor Aduda, stated, “The well-being of mothers and children is the foundation of a thriving society. This partnership with Glenmark allows us to provide not just immediate nutrition aid but also equip families with lasting tools for resilience through poultry farming, health, education, and locally driven solutions. Together, we are building a healthier, more self-reliant future for children and households in Makueni and Kajiado”
“We believe that health and wellbeing of children and mothers is one of the most powerful ways to build a healthier world. Glenmark’s newly launched initiative in Emali, Kenya, along with our partners, is addressing child nutrition and maternal care that will further empower families and enrich lives in a sustainable way,” said Cheryl Pinto, Executive Director – Corporate Services, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
“This initiative is a step forward in our commitment to advancing community health in Kenya,” said Manish Bajaj, Country Manager, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Kenya Ltd. “Through our partnership with EDCA and the county governments, we are working towards sustainable impact that supports the goals of the Kenya Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of health, nutrition, and livelihoods. We believe this effort will bring real change to the lives of children and mothers in these counties.”
Hon. Benard Moloma, Member of County Assembly for Kenyewa Poka Ward, praised the project, stating, “This initiative is timely and offers a practical solution for our communities, where mothers and children continue to face nutritional challenges due to recurring droughts and limited healthcare access. By integrating nutrition, health, and sustainable livelihoods, we are tackling both immediate hunger and long-term resilience. We proudly support Glenmark and EDCA in making this change a reality.”
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Alex Kilowua, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for medical services and Public Health in Kajiado County said. “With stunting affecting nearly one in four children under five and many mothers struggling to access quality nutrition services, this initiative fills urgent gaps and complements our ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and child malnutrition. The collaboration between EDCA and Glenmark strengthens our county’s health and nutrition strategy and showcases the power of multi-sector partnerships,” he said.
County governments and community leaders at the launch emphasized the vital role of multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling malnutrition. The project supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 and national efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
Through these initiatives, EDCA and Glenmark remain dedicated to community ownership and policy integration to bring about a positive change in the lives of people of these counties.
