ENOUGH Campaign against child hunger and malnutrition launched in Burundi

On Tuesday, 29 April, 2025, Itaba stadium in Gitega province, Burundi was painted with speeches full of commitments and promises as World Vision Burundi launched the ENOUGH global campaign that aims at ending child hunger and malnutrition in one generation. 

Amongst the special guests was child advocate Kim, a representative of the Burundi Children’s Forum, who shared their thoughts and ideas. “You should link this campaign with tangible work like sensitisation sessions so that bad habits among children and adults regarding nutrition are dealt with and changed for the betterment of children,” said Kim.

He also appreciated the idea behind the campaign as there are children that dropout of school due to lack of food, others are stunted with recurrent illnesses and there are also increasing early pregnancies among young girls as they are cheated by people who pretend to support them.

In Burundi, recent surveys reveal that 52 per cent of children are malnourished which is half of the Burundian children. That gives the facts that these children are not eating well while growing up right from their infancy.

The launch follows pan-Africa and global launch events about the three-year Campaign. It focuses on ending child hunger and malnutrition, and advocating for the right to healthy food for all children. It also emphasises the importance of listening to children, providing enough food, and ensuring quality nutrition policies and services.

“Children affected by hunger and malnutrition do not grow up well and their mental capacity is affected. We call upon everybody, the government, fellow NGO partners, the UN system and churches, to join us and work collectively to try and put an end to the problem of hunger at the household level,” Simon Nyabwengi, World Vision Burundi National Director, emphasised at the launch event. 

According to Venant Manirambona, the Governor of Gitega province, investments should be directed in increasing food production without forgetting small livestock so that the welfare of families including children is improved. 

Follwing the launch, the Campaign in Burundi will focus on food security, nutrition, WASH and economic strengthening in the most vulnerable households. World Vision Burundi will also organise awareness-raising activities in all of its intervention zones. School gardens will be supported by promoting the cultivation of vegetables and fruits.

Participants in the launch had an opportunity to interact with children, plant seeds of vegetables in the school garden at Mujejuru basic school and share lunch with them.

Apart from community members of Itaba commune, UN agencies including UNICEF, WFP, and INGOs including IFDC, Once Acre Fund/TUBURA, SOS Village d’enfants, local NGOs including COPED, LTC Penielle, Dutabarane and government institutions including health, agriculture, social affairs and church representatives attended the ENOUGH Campaign launch.