The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) has called on leaders in Rwanda’s Southern Province to intensify programs aimed at reducing malnutrition and child stunting. Key measures include supporting vulnerable families, expanding access to clean water, promoting hygiene, and increasing enrollment in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers.
Minister Consolée Uwimana made the call on March 18, 2026, during a consultative meeting on nutrition and stunting reduction in the Southern Province.
She praised districts that have made progress in lowering stunting rates while urging others to accelerate their efforts.
“I ask local authorities to set up programs that make it easier for people to improve their lives, bring clean water closer to communities, and maintain hygienic kitchens. At the same time, more children must attend ECD centers so they are safe and receive proper nutrition,” Minister Uwimana said.
She reminded leaders that addressing malnutrition and stunting is a national priority, reaffirmed at the recent National Dialogue (Umushyikirano).
“Everyone must work hard to deliver results that they can proudly report at the next National Dialogue,” she added.
District leaders from areas with high stunting rates shared measures already underway. Gisagara District Mayor Jérôme Rutaburingoga said, “We have identified all households affected by malnutrition so we can ensure they receive the support they need.”
Kamonyi District Mayor Dr. Sylvère Nahayo highlighted efforts to strengthen Igikoni cy’Umudugudu, where families with resources support vulnerable households.
“We are reinforcing village kitchens (Igikoni cy’Umudugudu) so that families who can help do so in a productive way, supporting those without the means,” he said.
The meeting brought together local leaders, development partners, the National Child Development Agency, and other stakeholders. It was the third provincial-level consultative meeting on nutrition and stunting in Rwanda.
The initiative is supported by CLADHO and World Vision’s “Enough” campaign to end child stunting.
CLADHO Executive Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Safari emphasized the human rights dimension of child nutrition.
“We ask everyone to take responsibility in their role, paying close attention to ensure every child has access to proper nutrition and is protected from stunting,” he said.
World Vision Rwanda National Director Pauline Okumu said that Rwanda’s goal of reducing stunting to 15 percent by 2029 is ambitious but achievable if there is strong collaboration.
“Rwanda has set a clear target to reduce stunting to 15 percent by 2029. This is achievable, but no one can do it alone. It requires cooperation between the government, NGOs, and faith-based organizations. In this province, we will do our part based on the priorities set. By working together as one team, we can make faster progress,” she said.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), Ruhango and Nyaruguru districts have made significant progress, with stunting dropping from 38.5 percent to 22 percent in Ruhango, and from 39.1 percent to 23.9 percent in Nyaruguru between 2020 and 2025.
Most districts in the Southern Province now have stunting rates below 30 percent, except Gisagara at 33.2 percent. Kamonyi recorded the lowest prevalence at 21.1 percent.
Minister Uwimana concluded by calling on leaders to maintain momentum. “We need to focus on programs that empower families, improve access to water, maintain hygiene, and ensure children attend ECD centers. Together, we can protect our children and give them a strong start in life,” she said.
