Gicumbi leaders put families at the centre of efforts to tackle child malnutrition

Leaders in Rwanda’s northern Gicumbi District, alongside development partners, are stepping up efforts to promote better child nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, urging families to take a leading role in preventing malnutrition and supporting healthy childhood development.

Gicumbi District Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Mbonyintwari JMV, joined Urunana Development Community (Urunana DC), Rwanda Children, World Vision Rwanda and other partners in an awareness campaign aimed at bringing nutrition and hygiene messages closer to families.

The campaign emphasised that preventing malnutrition starts at household level, through the food children receive, safe food preparation, proper hygiene and regular attention to their growth and wellbeing.

Participants were encouraged to practise proper breastfeeding and provide appropriate complementary foods when children reach the recommended stage for additional feeding. Families were also urged to make better use of nutritious foods available in their communities and provide children with balanced meals.

Deputy Mayor Mbonyintwari called on residents to play an active role in preventing child malnutrition, stressing that the responsibility cannot be left to health services alone.

He said children who receive adequate nutrition have better prospects for healthy growth, learning and eventually contributing to the development of their families and communities.

The official urged parents to act early rather than wait for severe signs of malnutrition, while encouraging them to monitor their children’s growth and seek assistance from health services whenever concerns arise.

He also warned families against exposing children to unsafe food and drinks, saying that protecting what children consume is an important part of preventing illness and supporting healthy development.

Hygiene and sanitation were also highlighted as key components of the campaign. Residents were encouraged to wash their hands properly, use safe water, maintain food hygiene and prepare children’s meals in clean conditions.

Organisers stressed that illnesses associated with poor hygiene can affect children’s health and interfere with their ability to benefit fully from the nutrients they consume.

As part of the initiative, children participating in the activity received milk, providing a practical demonstration of the campaign’s focus on supporting better nutrition alongside public awareness.

Families were encouraged to make the most of locally available foods by combining different food groups to provide children with meals containing adequate and varied nutrients.

Gicumbi leaders also urged parents to participate in nutrition monitoring activities and to seek timely support from health services whenever they notice possible signs of nutritional problems.

The involvement of Urunana DC, Rwanda Children, World Vision Rwanda and other partners was described as an important contribution to efforts by local leaders to strengthen community awareness and support programmes aimed at improving child health and wellbeing.

The campaign underscored that tackling malnutrition requires sustained cooperation between families, local leaders, health services and development partners.

Proper breastfeeding, a balanced diet, safe food, good hygiene and a clean environment are not only measures to protect children today, but investments in their health, development and the future of their families.