A recent health assessment conducted during the 2024 Maternal and Child Health Week has identified Rubavu District as having the highest rates of child malnutrition and stunting among Rwanda’s districts. Closely following is Nyabihu District, both located in the Western Province.
The July–September 2024/25 fiscal report indicates that out of 5,221 children under five suffering from malnutrition, 4,712 received assistance through a milk distribution program. Despite these efforts, the national target to reduce stunting to 19% by 2024 remains unmet, with Rubavu and Nyabihu recording stunting rates of 32.6% and 31.6%, respectively.
Parliamentarians from the Commission on Social Welfare, including Hon. Uwamariya Veneranda, are conducting evaluations in affected districts. In Rubavu, they are inspecting early childhood development centers and health facilities to identify challenges contributing to persistent malnutrition.
Rubavu’s Vice Mayor for Social Affairs, Ishimwe Pacifique, expressed optimism about eradicating child malnutrition through collaborative efforts involving parents and stakeholders. Currently, 38 children are under close monitoring—30 with moderate malnutrition and 8 with severe cases. The district has implemented household-level assessments to identify root causes and develop targeted interventions.
Nationally, the government’s NST1 plan aimed to reduce stunting to 19% by 2024. However, the World Bank’s Human Capital Index places Rwanda at 160 out of 174 countries, highlighting ongoing challenges. As of 2020, over 149 million children worldwide were stunted, with more than 40% residing in Africa. Rwanda’s 2019–2020 Demographic and Health Survey reported a national stunting rate of 33.1% among children under five.
