Northern Province Puts Children First in Fight Against Malnutrition

The commitment was made during a provincial coordination meeting in Musanze District, attended by Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana, provincial officials, and local leaders. Stunting remains a key concern, affecting one in four children in the province.

Minister Habimana urged leaders to act with urgency, stressing that the health of children today shapes Rwanda’s future.
“Do everything possible. Treat this issue as urgent and special, because these children are Rwanda’s tomorrow,” he said.

Leaders acknowledged that poverty is a major driver of stunting. More than 130,000 households still need support, while 3.2% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Habimana called for full eradication, not gradual reduction.
“Do not settle for lowering poverty from 3% to 2% or 1%. The goal is total eradication,” he said.

Governor Maurice Mugabowagahune highlighted challenges including poor sanitation, school dropouts, and malnutrition, emphasizing that local solutions must align with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Local leaders committed to identifying each child affected rather than relying only on statistics.
“We must know exactly who these children are and their family situations. That way, when partners step in to help, support can be directed effectively,” said one sector executive secretary.

This approach is expected to strengthen collaboration with partners and ensure vulnerable families receive targeted support. Leaders concluded that addressing poverty, nutrition, and education together will be essential to protecting children and building healthier communities in the Northern Province.