World Vision Rwanda, in partnership with Rutsiro District, launched the ‘Professional Umuganda’ initiative in April to combat malnutrition and stunting among children under five years. And in addition, to improve their well-being and that of their families in the district.

Since its launch five months ago, the initiative has made significant progress. Over 14,000 children in Rutsiro District were identified as malnourished. Thanks to swift and effective intervention, more than 11,800 children have fully recovered.

The initiative, in Nyabirasi Sector, was observed with a ceremony attended by residents of Rutsiro District, senior officials, the Western Province Governor, the Mayor of Rutsiro District, community members, and the National Director of World Vision Rwanda, among other dignitaries.

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Pauline Okumu, the National Director at World Vision Rwanda, explained that one of the pivotal elements of this initiative was the coalition of different stakeholders, and aligning various sectors under a unified framework.

"We were able to harness a diverse range of resources and expertise by engaging all these partners, each with their own unique strengths, which involved bringing together agriculture experts, health professionals, and economic development partners to create holistic solutions,” she said.

Okumu also added that the impact of these efforts has been profound since the malnutrition rate dropped by 11 per cent, highlighting that the ‘Professional Umuganda’ framework also emphasised community involvement and education. She also stated that this initiative will be extended for a few more months since there is still a need, and it has proven to be effective.

"One of our focus areas was educating mothers about proper feeding practices through the early childhood development programme, and seeing this level of improvement is incredibly satisfying,” she stated.

According to Lambert Dushimimana, the Governor of Western Province, malnutrition is not solely caused by a lack of food or balanced meals; there are often deeper issues at play. He urged the community to continue educating and supporting each other even after the conclusion of the ‘Professional Umuganda’ initiative.

"What we have achieved is commendable, but we cannot become complacent and risk reverting to previous conditions. We must continue to combat malnutrition as a community. Malnutrition is not only caused by poverty or food scarcity. We have identified other significant factors, such as family conflict. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and keep educating ourselves, as this will benefit the community as a whole,” he declared.

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Seraphine Nyirazanazose, whose child was malnourished before the programme began but was rehabilitated after a few weeks, expressed her gratitude for the initiative. She noted that she now knows how to prepare nutritious meals thanks to the lessons learned from the programme.

"If it had not been for the Professional Umuganda, I would not have learned about the kitchen garden. My child’s health is now significantly improved, and I am thankful to the community health workers for their support for me and my family,” she said.

The Mayor of Rutsiro District, Dative Kayitesi, identified a lack of knowledge in food processing, poor hygiene practices, and parental conflicts as contributing factors to the high levels of child malnutrition and poverty in the district.

She said, "This district is equipped with agricultural resources, and it has improved over the years, so it is no longer in the poverty line. What we need is a shift in mindset. We already possess the resources we need; what is missing is the right approach. Additionally, we must continue to follow up with families to ensure they do not fall back into malnutrition.”

Kayitesi emphasised that the community must persist in the fight against malnutrition. With the resources available, and support from the government and other partners such as World Vision, she urged the community to maintain their efforts and continue improving their practices.