Men involvement in preparing a balanced diet led to a significant progress in the last six months where no child has been diagnosed with malnutrition in Mushonyi sector. This was revealed to journalists during the media engagement campaign on stunting prevention, family planning, hygiene and nutrition conducted at Mushonyi sector in Rutsiro District.
According to Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (DHS) 2019/2020, stunting in Rutsiro district has dropped to 44.4 per cent in 2020 from 45.1 per cent in 2015. The national goal is to reduce stunting to 19 percent in 2024.
To address the issue of stunting and malnutrition among children, at village kitchens, residents of a sub village bring different ingredients from the agricultural and animal products produced locally and men come to learn to cook a nutritious meal; Seshavu Jean Baptiste, a resident of Biruyi Cell, Mushonyi sector disclosed the importance of men’s involvement in the fight against stunting and malnutrition.
Seshavu Jean Baptiste said that he decided to learn to cook a balanced diet for his children because one of the twins was diagnosed with malnutrition.
“We had twins, my wife could not breastfeed them normally because she had a breast implant and taking care of the two kids was difficult for her. My children were diagnosed with malnutrition. Since I wanted my child to get out of malnutrition I decided to learn to cook and take care of them, now they are healthier because I know to cook and feed them with a balanced diet.”Said Jean Baptiste.
Mwenedata Jean Pierre, the Executive Secretary of Mushonyi Sector highlighted that the role of a man in the development of a child is of paramount importance.
‘’It is very important for a man to be involved in the process of a child development from pregnancy to adulthood. In the Parents’ evening sessions, we demonstrate how the absence of collaboration in the family leads to damage of household wellbeing and betterment’’Said Mwenedata.
At least 1320 Home based ECD (Early Child Development) centres have been established in Rutsito district for children to benefit from holistic care. Rutsiro District has reduced malnutrition whereby in April 2022 they had 97 children who suffered from malnutrition and 20 among them were in a red color while in the previous years they could have about 400 and 300 children who suffered from malnutrition. (End)