At least three in 10 children in Rwanda are affected by stunting, and the issue is among government priorities, with hopes to reduce the rate by half by 2024. Research shows that infections, low-quality breastfeeding from impoverished mothers, and a lack of dietary diversity appear to be individual variables that contribute to child stunting in Rwanda. However, many solutions to curb stunting are not hard to access but can only be utilized when we work together as a community. An example is the ‘kitchen garden’ (akarima k’igikoni) introduced by the government more than a decade ago. The pyramid garden of over-fresh vegetables doesn’t require much water, space, or attention, yet it can eradicate stunting from a home. Another solution is the recently launched ‘One Egg Per Child, Everyday’ campaign, whose aim is to inform the population about the importance of feeding children eggs every day from an early age (after 6 months of age following exclusive breastfeeding), to ensure a diet that supports their healthy growth and development. Another one, practiced by more than 80 percent mothers in Rwanda, is to exclusively breastfeed children for their first six months of life, and with healthy complementary foods, breastfeed until the baby is at least two years of age. Childcare givers should also ensure that they maintain environmental cleanliness to avoid preventable infections from the baby and the mother. Every one of these solutions cannot be fully achieved across the country if different harmful cultural norms are not foregone. Fathers shouldn’t be delegating their role in their home development to women. Just like mothers, fathers also have an equal role in preparing and feeding their families nutritious meals, cleaning, and supporting breastfeeding mothers. Employers must also note that mothers need designated lactation space, and enough maternity leave. Fathers need some time off work too, to support their families when they give birth. Through community work and assistance, families living in poverty can also be helped have their own kitchen garden, or supported with chicken for eggs. Although this is commendably done by local leaders, we can all chip in to have it better.
