Nyabihu district officials have announced a notable decline in child stunting over the past five years, with the rate now standing at 32.7 percent.
Speaking during a media briefing on upcoming development initiatives, District Mayor Antoinette Mukandayisenga highlighted the measures that have contributed to improving the well-being of local communities.
“The district has made significant progress. In 2015, the child stunting rate was 59 percent. By 2020, it had decreased to 46.7 percent, and today it stands at 32.7 percent,” Mukandayisenga said.
The decline follows targeted interventions, including the establishment of community kitchens at the village level, the expansion and improvement of health centers, and the creation of 57 community-based nutrition units across the district.
Parents are encouraged to participate in meal preparation sessions at village kitchens to learn how to provide balanced diets for their children.
Schools have also contributed by teaching children about proper nutrition, while the number of community health advisers has increased from one to four per village, enhancing support for families at the grassroots level.
The 2025 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 7) shows that nationwide, child stunting has dropped to 27 percent from 33 percent in 2020.
In 2020, 20 districts recorded stunting rates above 30 percent, compared with 11 districts in 2025, with Nyabihu among those making steady progress.
The district has also achieved milestones in water and electricity access. Clean water coverage has reached 82.44 percent, supported by a 139-kilometer water supply network serving five sectors, with plans underway to repair damaged sections.
In electrification efforts, Nyabihu has connected 17,209 households out of a target of 21,000, improving living standards and access to essential services.
Mukandayisenga said the combined efforts in health, nutrition, water, and electricity demonstrate the district’s commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life and sustaining long-term development.
