Targeted Care for Healthy Kids: A New Approach to Childhood Nutrition
At HopeCore, we have always believed that good health begins long before a child enters a clinic—it starts in the home, at the table, and within the community. That’s why we have taken a new direction in our approach to address childhood malnutrition.
This year, we launched Targeted Nutrition Care for Healthy Kids—a proactive, personalized model focused on preventing and managing malnutrition in children under five. Because when it comes to child health, early action can change everything.
What sets our program apart is its family‑centered, data‑informed, and locally grounded design. In addition to our monthly nutrition clinic at the community health clinic, we conduct home visits, working directly with caregivers, offering tailored support, hands-on nutrition education with visual models, and conducting consistent follow‑up. During these visits, we identify the root causes of malnutrition—such as food insecurity and household size—because one‑size‑fits‑all solutions simply don’t work when it comes to health. By understanding each family's specific situation, we pursue sustainable and effective health outcomes.
Program Impact in Action: Jayden’s Remarkable Journey to Recovery
This new model is already making a real difference in the lives of children and households. One powerful example is Jayden’s journey to recovery, which shows how personalized care can save and transform a child’s health.
Jayden was first brought to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic at just seven months old, weighing only 7.9 kg and measuring 75.8 cm in height. He could only say a few words, couldn’t stand, and couldn’t finish a sachet of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). Through the clinic, he received regular assessments from HopeCore’s nutritionist, Ms. Lindah Mukami, who also trained his mother, Nelly Kawira. The nutritionist provided nutrition education, used food models to demonstrate balanced meal planning, and offered ongoing monitoring to track Jayden’s progress.
By June 2025, Jayden weighed 10.5 kg and was 84 cm tall—a healthy weight for his age—and was discharged from the program with a strong appetite and a brighter future ahead.
“HopeCore didn’t just provide the much-needed services—they gave me the tools and confidence to care for Jayden every day. I’m so grateful to see him growing strong and healthy,” says Nelly
Why Targeted Nutrition Matters
In Kenya, almost 1 in 4 children under the age of five experience stunted growth, highlighting the critical need for timely nutrition interventions. HopeCore’s targeted nutrition model addresses this challenge by providing personalized care tailored to each child’s unique needs, closing gaps in access, and empowering families to take an active role in their children’s health.
By delivering services directly to homes, equipping caregivers with practical tools, and closely monitoring progress, HopeCore is pioneering a replicable model that promotes early intervention and sustainable impact. To date, this approach has resulted in a remarkable 130% increase in successful discharges. A key factor in this success is the integration of peer support networks, where mothers of recovered children offer mentorship and guidance to others still on the journey.
We also leverage local support by training Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who continue to assist households, fostering sustainable and community-driven health outcomes. Additionally, we are promoting the establishment of kitchen gardens by supplying seedlings and expert guidance, helping families grow fresh, nutritious food at home. This initiative not only improves immediate nutrition but also supports long-term food security.
“This program is built for lasting change,” says Lindah, HopeCore’s nutritionist. “We are committed to equipping households with the knowledge and tools they need to foster sustainable health habits—ones that they can maintain for years to come.
HopeCore continues to expand its reach—empowering families and helping children grow up healthy and strong.
