Rwanda launched a comprehensive two-year plan on June 12 aimed at reducing stunting and achieving the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) target. The event, held in Musanze District, coincided with the commencement of Maternal and Child Health Week.

According to Nadine Umutoni Gatsinzi, Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), the objective is to reduce stunting to 19 per cent by the end of 2024. However, as of 2023, the current stunting rate stands at 33 percent. Some districts have experienced worsening stunting rates without any improvement.

ALSO READ: A look at the Stunting Prevention and Reduction Project

Gatsinzi emphasised the need for collective efforts and the importance of everyone’s involvement in the initiative. While the plan will cover the entire country, 10 selected districts, including Musanze, Gicumbi, Nyamasheke, Kirehe, Gasabo, Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, and Burera, will be given priority.

The plan focuses on pregnant women and families with children under the age of two. Gatsinzi encouraged all families to take advantage of the initiative.

One of the main priorities of the plan is to improve antenatal care attendance, particularly emphasising early contact during the first trimester. Additionally, the initiative aims to revitalise nutrition centres and ensure that children have access to bio-fortified products and animal-sourced proteins, which are crucial for their growth and development.

ALSO READ: Community health workers and the fight against stunting

To monitor progress and ensure accountability, the plan includes the review and financing of key child nutrition indicators through the use of a child scorecard and length mat. Furthermore, efforts will be made to enhance the quality of nutrition counselling provided during antenatal care visits.

To improve the availability and accessibility of nutrition commodities, such as fortified blended flour and micronutrient powders (MNP), the supply chain and consumption monitoring systems will be strengthened.

This includes revamping the ‘Centres nutritionnels’ at the health centre level and implementing supportive supervision of community health workers.

In an effort to address food security and sustainable livelihoods, the plan aims to distribute hens to low-income households, enabling sustainable rearing of small livestock and the production of eggs.

ALSO READ: How the early childhood development program is checking stunting

Furthermore, the plan seeks to scale up the production and consumption of bio-fortified products, such as iron-rich beans and orange-flesh potatoes, to provide essential nutrients for combating malnutrition.

Recognising the significance of clean water for overall health, the plan also focuses on improving water quality management in rural areas of Rwanda. This includes proposing appropriate water purifiers for household and community use, particularly in schools, health facilities, and Early Childhood Development (ECD) settings. The goal is to increase the clean water connection rate in schools and ensure access to safe water for all.

To create awareness and foster positive behaviour change, a Social and Behavior Change Communication Campaign has been launched with the slogan ‘Hehe n’igwingira!’ This campaign aims to engage and educate communities about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy practices for children.

Through this comprehensive two-year plan, Rwanda aims to tackle stunting and improve the overall health and well-being of its population, particularly mothers and children.