Maternal and Infant Feeding

Maternal and Infant feeding intends to ensure a healthy growth of the child starting from the conception until 2 years of age to prevent stunting. The following are to be taken into consideration:

• Consumption of iron supplements by pregnant women

• Dietary diversity for women, with emphasis on food sources of iron and foods that enhance iron absorption

• Dietary diversity for children 6–23 months, with emphasis on food sources of iron and vitamin A and foods that enhance iron absorption

• Optimal meal frequency for children 6–23 months of age

• Early initiation of breastfeeding

• Exclusive breastfeeding from birth through the first six months

• Timely introduction of appropriate complementary foods

• Reduction in the consumption of foods of low-nutrient value (junk food)

• Presumptive treatment for helminths for pregnant women and young children

• Handwashing at three out of five critical times (after using the latrine, after changing a baby’s diaper/cleaning a child, before preparing food, before feeding a child, and before eating)

• Adoption of methods for safe and prolonged storage of nutrient-dense produce for the winter

Water,Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH)

Access to clean water and sanitation is key for healthy, dignified and productive lives. Therefore, drinking water is the first priority among the water uses in the catchment. The water resources In Rwanda access in rural areas has increased but many people –often girls- still walk long distances to fetch water. Water is also the first need when it comes to sanitation and hygiene. Rwanda is progressing steadily to improve access and use of water, deal with liquid and solid waste management, storm water management and a large scale hygiene behaviour change of individuals, companies and institutions. Water and sanitation (Watsan, or WASH) include the components of water supply, storm water management and waste water and solid waste management.