Health Information Systems in East Africa: the importance of HIS in improving nutrition in Kenya

One of the most crucial aspects of the Health Information System (HIS) building block is effective data communication and interpretation, which necessitates transparency and accuracy in reporting to ensure the utility of the information provided (Borghi and Brown, 2022). In Kenya, the prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 is alarmingly high, with over a quarter suffering from stunted growth, equating to approximately 2 million children experiencing undernutrition. Additionally, 11% of children are underweight, and 4% suffer from wasting (UNICEF, n.d.). These statistics exhibit regional disparities, with stunting percentages reaching as high as 46% in Kitui and West Pokot counties, while wasting rates vary from 1% in certain areas to over 20% in many arid and semi-arid lands counties (UNICEF, n.d.). UNICEF (n.d.) identifies disease and poor diets, particularly during the critical period between 6 and 23 months, as primary drivers of childhood undernutrition, stemming from food insecurity, inadequate care practices, and detrimental social norms. The consequences of malnutrition extend beyond immediate health impacts to include decreased child survival and long-term effects on physical and cognitive development, thereby impeding children's ability to realize their full potential (USAID, 2018).

SDG target 2.2 underscores the imperative to "End all forms of malnutrition" by 2025, including addressing stunting and wasting in children under 5, as well as catering to the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons (WHO, n.d.). To ensure the success of projects aimed at achieving this target in Kenya, data monitoring and evaluation are indispensable. Currently, two types of nutrition information are routinely collected: Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) data, monitored monthly at selected "sampling" sites in each district, and routine growth monitoring of children under five, facilitated by the Child Health and Nutrition Information System (CHANIS) (USAID, 2006).

A summary report by USAID sheds light on the understanding of nutrition data and the underlying causes of malnutrition in Kenya, emphasizing the disparity between wasting and stunting rates in northeast Kenya compared to the rest of the country. While seasonal factors such as wet and dry seasons may influence malnutrition rates, the fluctuations in northern Kenya are less pronounced than in other regions (USAID, 2006). The prevalence of pastoralist lifestyles in the northeastern region, characterized by a high consumption of animal products, alongside factors like low birth weight and thinness among women, contribute to the elevated rates of malnutrition in that area (USAID, 2006). These findings underscore the complex nature of malnutrition across different regions of Kenya, underscoring the critical need for accurate HIS to support evidence-based decision-making.

Accurate HIS enables policymakers, decision-makers, and stakeholders to effectively prioritize interventions, allocate resources, and tailor strategies to address specific community needs. Furthermore, accurate HIS provides invaluable insights into resource requirements and utilization, aiding policymakers in identifying areas necessitating heightened intervention efforts and facilitating the efficient allocation of funds and resources.