DR Congo: Menkao Says ENOUGH: A Community United Against Child Malnutrition
In Menkao, an agricultural community located about 77 kilometers from downtown Kinshasa, the fight against child malnutrition has taken a concrete and promising turn. On December 31, 2025, the Center for the Promotion and Development of Kinshasa (CEPRODEKI), in collaboration with World Vision, Menkao Program, organized an exhibition and sales event under the theme: “Enough to Child Malnutrition in Menkao.”
This initiative highlighted the efforts of families who, with the support of World Vision, have developed their own agricultural and livestock production as a sustainable response to hunger.
Sustaining 15 Years of World Vision Support
With less than one year remaining before the program’s closure scheduled for September 30, 2026, the activity aimed to strengthen community ownership of achievements made over the past 15 years.
Étienne Lungala, CEPRODEKI Coordinator, explained:
“This activity aims to raise community awareness and sustain World Vision’s actions after its departure. Menkao is an agricultural community, yet malnutrition persists. We needed to understand why and act together.”
He added, “For us, it is a celebration. Community members are showcasing their products, and participants are buying them.”
Children Taking a Stand Against Malnutrition
The Children’s Parliament delivered a powerful message: “Thousands of children under five still suffer from chronic and acute malnutrition. It is time to act now.”
Didier, World Vision’s Child Well-Being Facilitator, recalled: “World Vision supports families so they can become autonomous and sustainably meet their children’s needs. Our mission is to ensure child well-being by strengthening local capacities.”
Pépin, PRONANUT Coordinator, stated: “Malnutrition is a major issue in Menkao. The latest surveys show that 48.9% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and 2.6% from acute malnutrition. We needed to explain the causes, the consequences, and, above all, the solutions.”
According to him, the main causes include low dietary diversity, limited feeding practices, poverty, and insufficient access to protein. The consequences affect children’s growth, immunity, and learning abilities, and can even lead to mortality. Recommended solutions include dietary diversification, household livestock farming, savings groups, and adopting good nutritional practices.
Community Savings: A Weapon Against Hunger
Richard, an agronomist technician, testified:
“World Vision identified malnutrition issues. That’s why they supported us in duck breeding, rabbit farming, and establishing fields. Today, households are displaying and selling their own products.”
Wivine, a member of the Tokende Liboso savings group, shared: “For our children to be healthy, we save for transformation. We bought a cow that we displayed today so that our children can eat well.”
She concluded with determination: “We will continue this work forever.”
Godelive, a member of the awareness team, said:
“We took advantage of the end of the year to say ENOUGH to malnutrition and to showcase our natural juice.”
A Possible Future for Menkao
The activity concluded with significant purchases of the products displayed, an encouraging sign that the community recognizes the value of its own efforts. By strengthening skills, valuing local production, and mobilizing all community members, the people of Menkao are proving that a future free from hunger is possible. In Menkao, saying ENOUGH to malnutrition is no longer just a slogan, it is a collective action and a long-term commitment.