Over 450,000 people reached with health and nutrition services
Nearly 230,000 reached in Kakuma; over 220,000 in Dadaab
Almost 70,000 received targeted nutrition services (35,500 in Kakuma, 24,000 in Dadaab)
Over 81,000 people benefited from improved water infrastructure in Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei
Water system upgrades included pipelines, steel tanks, and power generators
Nairobi, Kenya, 30 July 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), has completed a comprehensive health and nutrition program across the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps. The nearly two-year program, spanning from March 2023 to January 2025, focused on addressing acute malnutrition among children under five and supporting pregnant and lactating women through nutrition monitoring, mass campaigns, and the integration of vital micronutrient supplements into routine health care.
Faced with ongoing challenges like drought and flooding that worsen food insecurity, the IRC’s interventions helped stabilize nutrition levels among some of the most vulnerable refugees. The program also improved access to essential health services including outpatient and inpatient care, mental health support, and specialized assistance for survivors of sexual violence.
Alongside health and nutrition efforts, the IRC and its partner Project Wind Japan (PWJ) made significant improvements to water infrastructure in the camps. Repairs and upgrades to pipelines, water tanks, and power generators helped ensure more reliable and safer water access for tens of thousands of people — a critical factor for health and disease prevention.
To further support these efforts, the IRC collaborated with Film Aid Kenya (FAK) to raise awareness about vaccines, hygiene, and nutrition habits. Using community radio broadcasts and public events, FAK helped spread key health messages across Kakuma and Dadaab, ensuring that more people understood how to prevent disease and stay healthy.
By combining nutrition services with broader health and protection services, the IRC addressed the complex and urgent needs of refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo living in these camps.
Irene Bosire, Deputy Director of Programs for IRC Kenya, said:
“Through this partnership with the European Union, the IRC was able to deliver critical health and nutrition services at scale across two of Kenya’s largest refugee camps. These achievements highlight the ongoing need for sustained support to tackle malnutrition and health risks in these vulnerable communities.”
Since 1992, the IRC has provided lifesaving emergency aid—including healthcare, protection, and legal support—to refugees and host communities in Kenya, reaching over 300,000 people annually and helping vulnerable populations rebuild their lives.
The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.