Mombasa Residents Get Boost in Nutrition and Hygiene Awareness

More than 300 women and children from Likoni, Mombasa County, benefited from a health and nutrition outreach during this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, held at the Likoni Subcounty Hospital as part of the Mombasa Mother and Baby Fair.

World Breastfeeding Week, marked annually from August 1 to August 7, rallies the world to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding as the healthiest start in life.

This year’s global theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” called on governments, communities, and organizations to build lasting frameworks that enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life.

Pwani Oil joined other like-minded organizations at Likoni Subcounty Hospital to mark the occasion, which featured handwashing demonstrations and nutrition talks for mothers and small traders in the surrounding community.

“Our commitment goes beyond quality products, we strive to build healthier, stronger communities by equipping mothers, children, and small businesses with the tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive,” said Rajul Malde, Pwani Oil Commercial Director.

Other organizations that participated in the outreach drive included Taji Langu Foundation, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) under its Food Fiti brand, and the Kenya Professional Nurses Association (KPNA).

Beneficiaries took part in expert-led handwashing sessions by KPNA using Detrex soap, alongside cooking demonstrations using Fresh Fri cooking oil. Mama Mbogas and small business owners also received technical and financial support to boost the availability of healthy food in their communities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a baby’s health, development, and survival, acting as the first vaccine and offering protection against diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia.

Kenya has made remarkable progress, with exclusive breastfeeding rates rising from 13% in 2003 to 60% in 2022, surpassing the World Health Assembly’s 2025 target of 50%.

“This activation reflects our shared responsibility to invest in the health of future generations,” added Malde.

This campaign is part of Pwani Oil’s People Pillar under its social impact agenda, which prioritizes community health, disease prevention, and strategic partnerships that improve daily health outcomes across Kenya.

Pwani Oil continues to align its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being, integrating community outreach initiatives that improve health, hygiene, and nutrition at the grassroots.