Effective coordination of all actors and efforts at community level will help fast-track the eradication of stunting and malnutrition among young children in Rwanda,” said the Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA). Ms. Nadine Umutoni Gatsinzi during a meeting on malnutrition and stunting in Southern Province.

The meeting was organized by the Southern Province in partnership with NCDA and brought together all Vice Mayors, all Director General of hospitals, staff in charge of health at District level, staff in charge of Social affairs at Sector level and coordinators of Community Health Workers at district level to discuss about the strategies of eradicating stunting and malnutrition in   among children.

Participants were updated on the status of stunting and malnutrition, early identification and prevention as well as existing anti-malnutrition and stunting strategies. 

According to Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (RDHS2020), the number of stunted children has decreased in the districts of Southern Province compared to 2015. At the province level the rate is at 32.7% and the target is to make this figure at least below 19% in 2024.

For this to happen, the Governor of the Southern Province Mrs Alice Kayitesi advised participants to build the achievements.

“There is a number of achievements so far but a lot needs to be done. Let’s be focused and build on what was achieved through identifying problems, learning from best practices and acting accordingly” She advised.

In addition, participants were urged to emphasize on prevention through community outreach and early-stage problem solving, monitoring the lives of children and parents in a holistic way.

Participants were also reminded the importance of Home based ECDs in the fight against malnutrition and stunting and were advised to strengthen and operationalize them to make sure that all children access integrated ECD services.

The NCDA DG and Southern Governor visited home based ECDs in Muhanga District

Participants at the meeting committed to work hand in hand to ensure the well being and health growth of the children with the purpose of stunting eradication