Nutritionist Anne Ngeno

07/08/2026

What Is Specialized Dilute Therapeutic Milk (SDTM)? 🥛👶

Specialized Dilute Therapeutic Milk (SDTM) is a therapeutic feed prepared by diluting F-100 therapeutic milk to meet the nutritional needs of infants below 6 months of age with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Why is SDTM used?

SDTM:
✅ Provides the energy and nutrients needed for recovery.
✅ Is specially formulated for infants under 6 months.
✅ Supports safe nutritional rehabilitation.
✅ Promotes healthy weight gain while protecting the infant's immature digestive system.

Who should receive SDTM?

SDTM is given to:

- Infants under 6 months diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
- Infants requiring inpatient therapeutic feeding under the care of trained health professionals.

Breastfeeding Comes First 🤱

If the infant is breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding on demand. Breastfeeding should always be offered first, and SDTM is given after breastfeeding to provide additional nutrients needed for recovery. Breastfeeding support is an essential part of the treatment.

Important Reminder

❌ SDTM is not ordinary infant formula.
❌ It is not a home-prepared feed.
❌ It should only be prepared and administered by trained healthcare professionals according to national IMAM guidelines.

With early diagnosis, appropriate therapeutic feeding, and continued breastfeeding, infants with severe acute malnutrition have a better chance of full recovery.

07/08/2026

05/08/2026

How Culture Affects Nutrition 🍽️

Culture plays a powerful role in shaping our eating habits and nutritional health. It influences:
✅ The foods we eat and those we avoid.
✅ How food is prepared and preserved.
✅ Meal times, portion sizes, and eating patterns.
✅ Infant and young child feeding practices.
✅ Food beliefs and taboos that may impact health.
✅ Family and community food traditions.
Culture is an important part of our identity, but not every tradition supports good nutrition. By embracing healthy cultural practices and letting go of harmful food myths, we can enjoy our heritage while nourishing our bodies.
💚 Good nutrition respects culture while promoting health.

03/08/2026

This breaks my heart. 💔

Today I came across someone selling RUSF, yet the package clearly states "NOT FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE."
RUSF (Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food) is not ordinary food and is not a commercial product. It is specially produced and distributed through nutrition programs to help children aged 6 months and above with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
Some people are wrongly told that:
"RUSF is for babies."
"RUTF is for bigger children."
This is misleading.
The correct information is:
RUSF is used to treat Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food) is used to treat Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children without medical complications.
I understand that in some parts of our country there are shortages, and some caregivers are forced to buy these products because they are unavailable in health facilities. That reality is painful and highlights the need for stronger nutrition programs and consistent supplies.
However, if a child has not been diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) or Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), why buy these products? Every sachet purchased unnecessarily could mean one less sachet available for a child whose life depends on it.
These therapeutic foods are designed for children who meet specific medical criteria after assessment by trained healthcare providers. They are not snacks or general nutritional supplements for healthy children.
While these sachets are being sold for profit—or bought by people who do not need them—there are children in our communities fighting acute malnutrition whose lives could be saved by these very products.
Let's protect nutrition programs. Let's stop the unnecessary sale, diversion, and misuse of RUSF and RUTF. These are life-saving therapeutic foods—not ordinary food products.

31/07/2026

🍲 Did You Know? Methods of Food Preparation Matter!

The way you prepare your food can affect its nutritional value, taste, texture, and even your health.

Here are some common food preparation methods:

🥦 Steaming – Retains more vitamins and minerals.
🍲 Boiling – Great for soups, cereals, and legumes, but some nutrients may leach into the water.
🔥 Grilling – Adds delicious flavor with little oil.
🍗 Roasting – Enhances natural flavors while keeping foods tender.
🥘 Baking – A healthier alternative to deep frying for many foods.
🍳 Sautéing/Stir-frying – Quick cooking with a small amount of healthy oil helps preserve nutrients.
🍟 Deep Frying – Tasty, but frequent consumption may increase unhealthy fat and calorie intake.

💡 Healthy Tip: Choose cooking methods like steaming, boiling, baking, grilling, and stir-frying more often to help preserve nutrients and support better health.

Remember, healthy eating isn't just about what you eat—it's also about how you prepare it!

29/07/2026

I would love to see our society, schools, and health systems truly embrace neurodiverse conditions.

From what I have observed, stigma is still very present, and many caregivers are left carrying heavy burdens alone. In some cases, people are even taken advantage of instead of being supported.

Neurodiverse conditions are not a lack of discipline or effort—they reflect different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. What these children and adults need most is not judgment, but understanding, patience, and the right environment to thrive.

When we create safe, structured, and loving environments in schools, homes, and communities, we give them a real chance to grow, learn, and flourish.

Awareness is not enough—acceptance and action are what truly change lives.

In addition, I would love to connect with volunteers who are willing to join me in this journey of support and advocacy for caregivers, children, and adults living with neurodiverse conditions. I welcome professionals (healthcare workers, nutritionists, therapists, educators,teachers), caregivers, and anyone with lived experience or a willing heart to contribute.
Kindly inbox

Together, we can build stronger support systems, share knowledge, and create a more understanding and inclusive community.

KUNG'AA INITIATIVE turning disability to possibility is an initiative that helps in creating awareness and sensitization to the community
We do talks to schools,community meetings,chammas inbox for more information

28/07/2026

Why Should We Assess Our Nutrition Status Regularly? 🥗
Many people only think about nutrition when they become sick, but regular nutrition assessment is important for preventing health problems and maintaining a healthy life.
Here is why it matters:
✅ Early detection of malnutrition – It helps identify nutrient deficiencies or excess weight early.
✅ Prevents diseases – Good nutrition monitoring can help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
✅ Supports proper growth – Especially important for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
✅ Helps improve eating habits – When you know your nutrition status, you can make better food choices.
✅ Tracks your health progress – It shows whether your diet and lifestyle changes are working.
Remember: Knowing your nutrition status is the first step to improving your health.
Take time to check your weight, diet, and overall nutrition regularly. Your body will thank you! 🌱

27/07/2026

🩺 Did You Know? Dermatosis is a common complication in severe acute malnutrition, especially in children with oedema.

Dermatosis is a skin condition that can cause:
🔹 Patches of skin that are abnormally light or dark in colour
🔹 Skin peeling in scales or sheets
🔹 Ulceration (open sores) of the skin
🔹 Weeping lesions
🔹 Severe rash in the nappy area

These skin changes commonly affect the groin, limbs, armpits, behind the ears, and the perineal area.

⚠️ Any break in the skin increases the risk of dangerous infections, making early identification and treatment essential.

Early detection and proper management of severe acute malnutrition can help prevent serious complications and improve a child's recovery.

25/07/2026

Preventing Malnutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Children living with Cerebral Palsy are more likely to develop Severe Acute Malnutrition because many of them have difficulties with feeding, chewing, or swallowing food.
This means they need extra care and attention when it comes to nutrition.
Here are simple ways caregivers can help prevent malnutrition:
✅ Feed the child in the right position
Always make sure the child is sitting upright during feeding to help them swallow safely.
✅ Give soft and nutritious foods
Foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, avocado, beans, porridge, milk, and groundnut paste are rich in nutrients and easier to eat.
✅ Feed small amounts many times a day
Children with CP may get tired quickly while eating, so giving 5–6 small meals a day can help them get enough nutrients.
✅ Monitor the child’s growth
Regular weight checks and health visits help detect malnutrition early.
✅ Treat illnesses early
Frequent sickness can make malnutrition worse, so early medical care is important.
In some cases, therapeutic foods like Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) may be used to support recovery.
💡 With proper feeding support, regular monitoring, and good nutrition, children with Cerebral Palsy can grow healthier and stronger.