“We Thought He Wouldn’t Survive”: How Professional Umuganda Is Transforming Child Nutrition in Rutsiro
At just three years old, Adolphe’s future looked uncertain.
When Community Health Workers screened him during a community nutrition campaign in Rutsiro District, he was found to be underweight. Years of poor nutrition had affected his development. At two, he could not walk, and his speech was delayed. Some people even believed he had a disability.
His caregiver, Sylvie, remembers the fear that surrounded those early years.
“We were not sure he would survive. I didn’t know how to care for a child with malnutrition or what foods he needed to recover.”
Everything changed when Adolphe was referred to Iziko, a community-based nutrition rehabilitation programme implemented through World Vision Rwanda’s Professional Umuganda initiative.
During the 12-day rehabilitation, Sylvie learned to prepare balanced meals using affordable, locally available foods, practise proper hygiene, establish a kitchen garden, and adopt healthier feeding practices. She even bought chickens to provide eggs for Adolphe.
With regular follow-up from Community Health Workers, she put her new knowledge into practice. Slowly, Adolphe began to recover. He took his first steps at two and a half, his speech improved, and he grew stronger.
Today, he is a healthy, active child.
Adolphe’s story reflects a wider transformation taking place across Rutsiro
In late 2024, concerns about child malnutrition prompted a district-wide screening of 39,918 children under five. The findings showed that 33.6% were underweight, highlighting the need for a stronger community response.
World Vision Rwanda partnered with Rutsiro District to transform Rwanda’s monthly Umuganda into a platform for tackling child malnutrition. Professional Umuganda brings together Community Health Workers, health professionals, agricultural experts, local leaders, faith leaders, parents, private sector representatives and community members to identify malnutrition early, rehabilitate affected children, and help families prevent relapse.
The approach combines professional expertise with community action. Children identified as malnourished are enrolled in Iziko rehabilitation sessions, where caregivers learn about nutritious meals, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, hygiene, kitchen gardening and other practices that support healthy growth. Community members contribute locally available food to support vulnerable families, while Community Health Workers continue household visits to monitor children and reinforce learning.
The results are encouraging. Between December 2024 and April 2026, the prevalence of underweight children in Rutsiro declined from 33% to 20%; a 13-percentage-point reduction, or a 39.4% relative decline.
Behind these numbers are children like Adolphe.
“I never imagined he would recover like this. Today he walks, plays, and is growing well. We learned that good nutrition doesn’t always require expensive food; it requires knowledge, commitment, and support.”
Professional Umuganda demonstrates what is possible when communities take collective responsibility for children’s wellbeing. It is also advancing World Vision Rwanda’s ENOUGH Campaign by turning advocacy into practical, locally owned action.
In Rutsiro, Tujyanemo, meaning ‘let’s go into it together’, is a slogan but even better, a community commitment to ensuring children survive, grow and thrive.
By Charity Beza Uwase: Communications and Marketing Coordinator