World Vision Rwanda in partnership with Rutsiro District launched the “Professional Umuganda” initiative, which is a structured community service effort to combat child stunting and malnutrition in the District, which has the highest (39.5% ) stunting rates in Rwanda among under 2 children, as per the Maternal Child Health (MCH) week campaign report of November 2023. This innovative approach brings together local government officials, health professionals, agricultural experts, and community leaders to promote collaborative solutions to tackling malnutrition and stunting among children.

During six months Professional Umuganda was launched, a screening of all children under five years within Rutsiro District (a total of 42,986 children were measured by growth), 14,471 had malnutrition/ underweight. The project incorporated a multifaceted strategy, including the facilitation of PDH sessions, various monitoring activities, district plan to eliminate malnutrition (DPEM) meetings, community sensitization efforts through Maternal Nutrition Child Health, 1000 days of window opportunity and breastfeeding campaign, Provision of animal source food and hens, social behavior change interventions, and targeted staff training.

As a result of these interventions, 11,883 of the 14,471Reflecting 82%, malnourished children demonstrated significant recovery after participating in two PDH sessions. Moreover, the initiative has integrated different multi stakeholders and respect sector integration.