The UNICEF Directory of Programmes from the New York Headquarters, Dr. Nicholas Alipui has commended the Rwanda’s efforts in fighting malnutrition citing Rwanda’s political will.
Alipui said that political will has played a key role in improving children’s health in the country.
The envoy made the remarks at the two-day 2nd National Nutrition Summit which has attracted participants from different African countries, UN agencies and other international organizations.
Alipui noted that Rwanda shows progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, increasing access to education , safe water and sanitation as well as ensuring rates of HIV and malaria reduction.
“Evidence here in Rwanda is that you are on track to strengthen development of institutions and recent results from your demographic and household survey show strong progress in nutrition ”.
“We observe with pride that most of this has also been enabled by the national vision of inclusiveness of all citizens in the drive towards vision 2020 and the Presidential Initiative to eliminate mulnutrition, ” he added.
The official explained that community approaches must be emphasised to increase access to health care and nutrition initiatives.
Addressing the summit, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana also said that the country is making major multi-sector efforts to translate the potential of national food security into household food security and practices that bring adequate nutrition for every family.
Under the theme, “Scaling Up of Multisectoral Nutrition Interventions: Sustaining Gains In National Efforts to Eliminate Malnutrition, ” the general outcome of this forum will translate the existing policies and strategic plans into district and national plans of action for nutrition.
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