FEATURED: MTN Rwanda, UNICEF join forces to boost child nutrition in Gicumbi

MTN Rwanda and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Rwanda launched the ‘One Egg per Child’ campaign on March 5. This initiative aims to eliminate malnutrition and address the issue of poor nutrition despite some parents having the resources to provide balanced meals. This partnership leverages MTN’s telecommunications infrastructure and corporate resources to support child nutrition, online protection, enhanced access to education, and critical nutrition programmes like ‘One Egg per Child’ (everyday). ALSO READ: MTN Rwanda, UNICEF partner to empower children in Rwanda During the launch in Mukure Sector, 400 egg-laying hens were distributed to 200 selected families identified as the most in need. The initiative was spearheaded by Gardens for Health International (GHI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing malnutrition in Rwanda by working with families, schools, communities, and the government. Gardens for Health International has been operating in Gicumbi for over two years, particularly in Mukure Sector, where they have engaged 428 families. As part of this ongoing campaign, they have provided 200 hens and will support two Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres with a daily supply of eggs for the next six months. Authorities highlighted that Gicumbi District had a 42.2 per cent malnutrition rate in 2020, but due to anti-malnutrition initiatives, this number has dropped to 19.2 per cent. The goal is to bring it down to zero cases in the coming years in line with the country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Children at the sector’s ECD centre were served eggs and milk as an example for parents, encouraging them to provide similar nutrition at home. ALSO READ: Ministry mulls Rwf18 billion plan to plant 6m fruit trees, fight malnutrition Jean Marie Vianney Mbonyintwari, Gicumbi’s Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Welfare, pointed out that malnutrition is often caused by mind-set, as some parents prioritise money over proper nutrition despite having the resources to provide balanced meals. “Proper engagement of citizens is crucial before the government and donors intervene. This should be a family’s priority before seeking external support. If it’s possible, why not? “Malnutrition starts during pregnancy. If parents do not prioritise good nutrition, children will suffer from malnutrition even before birth. They must take responsibility, and we are here to support them. As authorities, we will ensure that we fight this pressing issue to the end,” he added. ALSO READ: Govt turns to orange-fleshed sweet potatoes to combat malnutrition MTN Rwanda recognises that providing children with a better upbringing is key to shaping future leaders. Before initiating any developmental projects related to its business, it is essential to ensure that Rwandan society is stable and healthy. Alain Numa, the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at MTN Rwanda, stated that through its CSR initiatives—alongside supporting the government in various sectors—MTN Rwanda remains committed to contributing to Rwanda’s future and thriving society. “Such cases should no longer exist in today’s Rwanda. We have made significant progress beyond dealing with these issues. I understand that mind-set change is key, and the country has already begun shifting perspectives, but consistency is also crucial,” he noted. “Ending child malnutrition does not require much; it simply requires collective efforts from all of us, intending to achieve zero cases nationwide,” he added. Florence Mukandayisenga, a resident of Kigabiro Village in Bukure Sector, is among the parents who received hens. She has been caring for her two-year-old son, who was born prematurely at six months and has experienced health conditions that led to stunting. To support his nutrition, she has been buying essential foods, including eggs, which are often expensive and hard to find. “I’ll keep this hen and get daily eggs. I needed it the most. This means a lot to my family and my child. I’m very grateful to MTN Rwanda and everyone involved,” she said.

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FEATURED: MTN Rwanda, UNICEF join forces to boost child nutrition in Gicumbi