The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has called for greater public awareness via healthy eating and nutrition as part of efforts to prevent diseases and improve community health.
The hospital made the call while marking World Food Day 2026 in partnership with ICEA Lion, bringing together healthcare professionals, corporate representatives and other stakeholders to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable food systems.
Speaking during the event held over the weekend, KUTRRH Acting Director of Administration and Corporate Services, Dr John Nyambega, said nutrition was central to disease prevention and the management of lifestyle-related conditions.
He urged healthcare institutions to go beyond treating illnesses and embrace preventive healthcare by educating communities on the benefits of balanced diets and healthy eating habits.
“Nutrition plays a fundamental role in disease prevention and lifestyle management. Healthcare institutions must look beyond clinical treatments to champion proactive wellness strategies,” Nyambega said.
He noted that communities needed to understand the link between balanced diets and long-term health outcomes, adding that coordinated efforts were essential to address malnutrition and promote access to nutritious food.
World Food Day 2026 was marked under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow”, which highlights the importance of food security, nutritious diets and innovation in building sustainable agrifood systems.
According to figures cited from the World Food Programme, about 645 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2025, while three billion could not afford a healthy diet. The report also projected that 600 million people could still face hunger by 2030.
Nyambega said the figures underscored the need for collective action to address the economic, climate change and conflict-related challenges affecting food production and access to nutritious meals.
He said collaboration among governments, healthcare institutions, private-sector players and communities could help develop food systems that were inclusive, resilient and capable of meeting present and future needs.
Through its partnership with ICEA Lion, KUTRRH highlighted the importance of combining healthcare expertise and corporate support to promote nutrition education and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
The hospital said such partnerships were critical in developing practical strategies to combat malnutrition, improve public health and ensure more people could access appropriate nutrition information.
World Food Day is observed annually to raise awareness of hunger and food security while encouraging action to build sustainable food systems. The occasion also provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges, share innovative approaches and strengthen partnerships.
By Hellen Lunalo
