World Vision International Rwanda, through its implementing partner AEE Rwanda and in collaboration with Ngororero District, has launched an initiative aimed at rehabilitating malnourished children using the Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) model, under a district-wide campaign named “Professional Umuganda.”

During a comprehensive screening, 12,107 children aged between 6 months and 5 years were identified as malnourished and are set to undergo a 12-day rehabilitation program.

To support this effort, a total of 1,860 Community Health Workers (CHWs) received a two-day training designed to equip them with essential skills. The training covered:

• Preparation of balanced meals using locally available food items

• Operation and facilitation of hearth sessions

• Understanding normal weight gain expectations at different rehabilitation stages

• Household monitoring for sustainable recovery from malnutrition

These skills are critical in enabling CHWs to effectively implement the PDH model and provide ongoing support to families.

World Vision International Rwanda and Ngororero District commended the training initiative and acknowledged the vital role of CHWs. The CHWs expressed their commitment to supporting this effort in the fight against malnutrition across the district.