Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe Launches Campaign to Combat Malnutrition and Stunting in Burera District

Burera District, Rwanda – Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation responsible for regional cooperation, emphasized the crucial importance of prioritizing child well-being as a cornerstone of national development. At the launch of a joint campaign targeting malnutrition and stunting in Burera District on Friday, February 7, 2025, Kabarebe asserted that the health and development of children serve as the foundation for a nation’s advancement.

Initiated in the Cyanika Sector, this campaign forms a key component of the district’s Umuganda Professional Program, which promotes community service to improve residents' well-being. The initiative includes a variety of activities, such as planting avocado trees, constructing homes and kitchen gardens for at-risk families, and providing livestock and nutritious meals for children.

A Holistic Approach to Development.

At the launch, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe, the focal point for Burera District, participated with residents in planting 1,000 avocado saplings. He also contributed to constructing a house, a kitchen garden, and a toilet for a family in need. Furthermore, every third vulnerable family received a cow, and initiatives to confiscate illicit drugs, specifically Kanyanga, were implemented across different sectors of the district.

Kabarebe emphasized the essential role of children in national development, saying, “For a country to progress, it begins with children. When everyone—from His Excellency the President to the Minister, Governor, and Mayor—speaks about children, it signals their significance. Regardless of our age, we all began as children. If we are not nurtured properly, we would not be where we are today, doing our jobs, or achieving our goals. To raise a child is to raise a nation.”

He further emphasized that developed countries prioritize the welfare of children, ensuring they grow up healthy and knowledgeable. “We must also concentrate our efforts, do good for them, and combat evil,” he added.

Addressing Malnutrition and Stunting.

Burera District ranks among the top ten districts in Rwanda with the highest malnutrition and stunting rates in children. Recent statistics show the stunting rate in Burera dropped from 52% in 2010 to 42.9% in 2015, and further to 41.6% in 2020. The most recent data from the Maternal and Child Health Week reveals that 29.4% of children under two years in the district experience obesity, which is a related health concern.

Residents conveyed their resolve to tackle these issues. Mujawamariya Speciose, a local community member, remarked, "We are determined to confront the ongoing neglect among parents that contributes to malnutrition. We understand we must enhance our children's care, maintain proper hygiene in their food, and offer them a balanced diet. We assure His Excellency President Paul Kagame that we will improve and overcome malnutrition and stunting.”

Community-Led Efforts for Change.

The campaign also seeks to highlight the risks associated with drug abuse, especially Kanyanga, which negatively affects mental health, compromises security, and damages the district’s reputation. Kabarebe encouraged residents to reject these substances, stressing their harmful effects on families and communities.

Burera District Mayor Mukamana Soline emphasized the critical role of community participation in addressing malnutrition and stunting. “This awareness program aims to lower stunting rates to at least 15%, aligning with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). By participating in community initiatives, we can collaborate to devise practical strategies that everyone can contribute to in order to combat malnutrition and obesity,” she stated.

A Call to Action

Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe urged the residents of Burera to come together in executing performance contracts and other development initiatives to enhance the district’s standing. “We must address this unfavorable situation. You possess all the right conditions—favorable weather, fertile soil, and abundant resources. Maintain the momentum and positive mindset as we commit to implementing performance contracts. This effort will elevate us from being overlooked to a leading position, ensuring that those who mistakenly equate Burera District with Kanyanga do not make that error again,” he remarked.

The campaign represents a significant step toward addressing the root causes of malnutrition and stunting in Burera District. By encouraging community participation and emphasizing child well-being, Rwanda reaffirms its dedication to sustainable development and a brighter future for its youngest citizens.