As malnutrition and stunting continue to affect various parts of Rwanda, the districts of Gisagara, Nyamagabe, and Kamonyi in the Southern Province have been identified among those with the highest number of affected children.
This was highlighted during a multi-stakeholder meeting aimed at assessing the current status of stunting and malnutrition and identifying sustainable solutions to address the issue.
Evariste Murwanashyaka, a representative of CLADHO (a human rights organization), noted that several factors contribute to the high rates of stunting in these districts. “Malnutrition and stunting are largely driven by limited knowledge about proper nutrition, poverty, and social challenges, including children born to teenage mothers,” he said.
Local leaders from the affected districts emphasized their commitment to implementing stronger interventions to reduce and ultimately eliminate stunting.
Jérôme Rutaburingoga, The Mayor of Gisagara District, stated:“We are committed to intensifying awareness campaigns on proper nutrition and closely monitoring households with children suffering from malnutrition to ensure a significant reduction in these cases.”
Similarly, the Mayor of Kamonyi District, Dr. Sylvère Nahayo, stressed the importance of collaboration:“Addressing stunting requires joint efforts from all stakeholders from families to national leadership. We are going to strengthen practical initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of our population.”
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Console Uwimana, underscored that the issue goes beyond health and has broader implications for national development. “Stunting and malnutrition are not just health concerns; they have serious consequences for the country’s development and future. This is why collective action is essential,” she said.
She also urged districts that have recorded setbacks to conduct self-assessments and learn from those that have made significant progress.
According to the latest national household living conditions survey, the prevalence of stunting in Rwanda has declined from 33% in the 2015–2020 period to 27% in 2020–2025. However, the Southern Province still records a relatively high number of affected children.
Within the province, Gisagara District ranks highest in stunting prevalence, while Ruhango District has made notable progress, achieving a 16% reduction. Experts emphasize that sustainably addressing stunting requires long-term strategies, including improving household economic conditions, enhancing nutrition education, and preventing teenage pregnancies, which remain a significant contributing factor.
