A new 2025 Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) has revealed that 5% of children under the age of five in Rwanda are overweight, highlighting a growing “double burden” of malnutrition alongside persistent stunting.
The findings were released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR)), showing that while child nutrition has improved significantly over the past two decades, emerging dietary and lifestyle patterns are contributing to new health concerns.
The report indicates that 27% of children under five are stunted, 6% are underweight, and 1% suffer from severe stunting.
Despite these challenges, Rwanda has recorded notable progress in reducing chronic malnutrition. Stunting has dropped from 51% in 2005 to 27% in 2025, while overall malnutrition has declined from 8% in 2000 to 1% in 2025.
Regional disparities persist
The survey highlights significant geographic disparities in child nutrition outcomes. Kigali records the lowest stunting rate at 14%, followed by the Eastern and Southern provinces at 26%, while the Northern and Western provinces report the highest rate at 33%.
Breastfeeding practices remain strong but declining early initiation
According to the report, 98% of children born in the two years preceding the survey were breastfed. However, early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth declined to 79%, down from 85% in 2019–2020.
Exclusive breastfeeding remains relatively high at 82% among infants aged 0–5 months, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, but declines steadily as children grow older.
Poor diet quality among young children
The survey raises concerns about feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months. Only 44% receive a minimum acceptable diet, while 48% are fed the recommended number of meals per day, and just 27% meet all minimum dietary standards.
Dietary diversity remains limited, with only 35% of children consuming animal-source foods such as meat, fish, eggs, or poultry.
The report also shows that 34% of children in this age group consumed sugary drinks, 26% ate unhealthy foods, and 15% did not consume fruits or vegetables daily. These practices are more prevalent in urban areas.
Nutrition interventions in place
The findings further indicate that 74% of children aged 6–59 months received vitamin A supplementation, while 80% were treated for intestinal worms in the six months preceding the survey.
Health experts say the results underscore a growing dual challenge in Rwanda’s nutrition landscape, where undernutrition and rising overweight coexist among young children.
