Monday, 3^rd June 2024 - The Government of Rwanda, with partners launched the Maternal and Child Health Week (MCH) and Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign under the theme, "No More Stunting". The campaign aims to provide essential child and maternal health services with a view to containment of stunting among children and management of disease.

The national launch event took place in Nemba Sector of Burera District  and was presided over by the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya along with the Director General of National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Assumpta Ingabire, the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Prof. Dr. Claude Muvunyi, representatives of development partners among others.

Under this campaign, health interventions are being provided to the community. Integrated with the Measles-Rubella vaccination, the campaign includes screening children for malnutrition and providing them with vitamin A and micronutrient powder (Ongera). Additionally, it offers family planning services and promotes community hygiene practices.

In the campaign, the community will be mobilized on importance of fully vaccinating a child, hand washing and hygiene in general, nutritional advices, use of contraceptive methods, prevention of intestinal worms and non-communicable diseases among others.

Speaking at the launch of the event, the Minister said, the government of Rwanda believes that the family is a foundation of country’s development.

“Among family members we have the category prone to illness and other health threats, those are mothers and young children, this is the reason behind this maternal-child health week”.

Though much has been done in fighting stunting among children, according to the Minister, there is a need for concerted efforts in enhancing children’s nutrition.

“This campaign is an opportunity where, in partnership with our stakeholders, health services are decentralised countrywide and ensure they are accessible to every citizen. We also aim at having all parents, children and all Rwandans have healthy life” she said.

For the Minister, the campaign is an opportunity for a wake-up call on both parents to take parental responsibilities, provide to children, avoid family conflicts and drug abuse” she noted.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Nutrition and Hygiene Department at NCDA, Irène Uwonkunda rallied for collaboration in implementation of all programmes leading to stunting reduction and child development, with a call on private sector, faith-based organisations among other stakeholders.

She reminded all partners to use findings from the maternal-child health week in devising measures against stunting.