Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)

View Issue TOC

Evaluating the Impact of Multi-Sectoral Action Plans on Childhood Stunting Reduction in Rwanda: A Short Report on the 2021–2026 Strategy

Jean Claude Niyonzima, Department of Epidemiology, African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali Clarisse Uwamahoro, African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali Jean de Dieu Uwimana, Department of Clinical Research, African Leadership University (ALU), Kigali Marie Aimee Mukantaganzwa, Department of Clinical Research, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18363025
Published: January 24, 2026

Abstract

This short report evaluates the preliminary impact of Rwanda’s multi-sectoral National Strategy for the Reduction of Stunting (2021–2026) on childhood stunting prevalence. The strategy integrates coordinated actions across health, agriculture, social protection, and WASH sectors. We assessed early outcomes and implementation challenges to inform ongoing programme adaptation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we analysed secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys (2020 and 2024) to quantify stunting trends in children under five. This was complemented by a desk review of national progress reports and key informant interviews with district-level implementers conducted in early 2026. Preliminary findings indicate a modest but statistically significant decline in national stunting prevalence from 33% in 2020 to an estimated 28% in 2024. Key facilitators included strong political commitment and established community-based nutrition programmes. Persistent challenges, however, were identified, notably inconsistent cross-sectoral coordination at sub-national levels and economic pressures affecting household food security. The findings underscore the potential of integrated strategies in addressing the multifactorial aetiology of stunting. We conclude that sustained investment and enhanced local-level integration are imperative for Rwanda to achieve its 2026 targets. This analysis offers transferable insights for the design and implementation of similar multi-sectoral strategies in other African nations.

Full Text:

PDF (English (United Kingdom)) HTML (English (United Kingdom))

Read the Full Article

The HTML galley is loaded below for inline reading and better discovery.

Open HTML Open PDF

How to Cite

Jean Claude Niyonzima, Clarisse Uwamahoro, Jean de Dieu Uwimana, Marie Aimee Mukantaganzwa (2026). Evaluating the Impact of Multi-Sectoral Action Plans on Childhood Stunting Reduction in Rwanda: A Short Report on the 2021–2026 Strategy. African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026), 40-48. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18363025
EndNote (RIS) BibTeX

Keywords

stuntingmulti-sectoral strategySub-Saharan Africanutrition-sensitive interventionsprogramme evaluation

Research Snapshot

Desktop reading view
Language
EN
Formats
HTML + PDF
Publication Track
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)
Current Journal
African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems

References

  • Aryuni, M. (2025). Peer Review Report For: Predicting stunting status among under-5 children in Rwanda using neural network model: Evidence from 2020 Rwanda demographic and health survey [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.176526.r360888
  • BISANUKURI, E., NTAGUNGIRA KAYONGA, E., NTAWUYIRUSHINTEGE, S., DUSHIMIMANA, S., & RUBEGA, L. (2025). Implementation of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in the Operating Theatre of Masaka District Hospital, Rwanda: A Quality Improvement Project. Global Journal of Health Ethics. https://doi.org/10.63101/gjhe.v1i4.030
  • BYUKUSENGE, S., & NSEREKO, E. (2025). KNOWLEDGE, USAGE AND CHALLENGES TO DIGITAL REHABILITATION AMONG REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS IN EAST AFRICA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL MULTI-CENTER STUDY. Global Journal of Health Ethics. https://doi.org/10.63101/gjhe.v1i1.003
  • Binagwaho, A., VanderZanden, A., García, P., Huda, F.A., Maskey, M., Sall, M., Sayinzoga, F., Subedi, R.K., Teklu, A.M., Donahoe, K., Frisch, M., Ntawukuriryayo, J.T., Udoh, K., & Hirschhorn, L.R. (2024). Cross-country analysis of contextual factors and implementation strategies in under-5 mortality reduction in six low- and middle-income countries 2000–2015. BMC Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-023-03906-5
  • Choi, H.J., & Koo, B.B. (2024). Rwanda Energy Survey: Insights into Energy Access in Rwanda Using the Multi-Tier Framework. https://doi.org/10.1596/42124
  • Chowdhury, M.H. (2025). Peer Review Report For: Predicting stunting status among under-5 children in Rwanda using neural network model: Evidence from 2020 Rwanda demographic and health survey [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.176526.r360889
  • Gaind, N. (2024). Après le génocide : ce que les scientifiques apprennent du Rwanda. Nature Africa. https://doi.org/10.1038/d44148-024-00126-6
  • Gashugi, Y., Byiringiro, L.B., Rukundo, J., Izabayo, J., Sezibera, V., & Kalisa, J. (2024). Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda, 2024: Current efforts and calls to action to mitigate the outbreak in Rwanda. Rwanda Public Health Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.4314/rphb.v5i4.1
  • Habimana, J.D., Habumugisha, T., Korukire, N., Umugwaneza, M., Rugema, L., & Munyanshongore, C. (2025). Perceived Determinants of Childhood Stunting in Rwanda: Insights from Parents and Frontline Workers. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7040307/v1
  • Iroz, C.B., Ramaswamy, R., Bhutta, Z.A., & Barach, P. (2024). Quality improvement in public–private partnerships in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10802-w
  • Jato, D.M., Hassan, H.K., & Asombang, M. (2025). Tackling Mental Illness at an Early Stage. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65179-3_7
  • Kigozi, B. (2025). Evaluating El Sistema–Inspired Community Music Initiatives in Africa: A Comparative Study of Uganda, Rwanda, Tunisia, and South Africa. Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.58721/eajhss.v4i2.1378
  • Manirafasha, E.N., & Nishimwe, C. (2024). Male Involvement in Family Planning Services Utilization and Associated Factors in Musanze District, Northern Rwanda. Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.4314/rjmhs.v7i2.13
  • Mugisha, D., Manirere, J.D., Mutamuliza, E., & Ufitinema, B. (2024). Effect of good agricultural practices on Irish potato production: A case study of Jyambere Muhinzi Kinoni Cooperative in Burera District in Rwanda. African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. https://doi.org/10.53936/afjare.2024.19(4).20
  • Munyemana, J., Kabano, I.H., Uzayisenga, B., Cyamweshi, A.R., Ndagijimana, E., & Emmanuel, K. (2024). The role of national nutrition programs on stunting reduction among under-two years’ children in Rwanda using machine learning classifiers. Author’s list. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4406427/v1
  • NIYIGENA, M.S., & MUREREREHE, J. (2025). BARRIERS AND ENABLERS OF EMPLOYED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN RWANDA. Global Journal of Health Ethics. https://doi.org/10.63101/gjhe.v1i1.002
  • Ndaba, L.N. (2025). Chapter 2: The role of the African Renaissance in addressing African migrant exclusion in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.bk424.02
  • Ndagijimana, S., Kabano, I., Masabo, E., & Ntaganda, J.M. (2025). Predicting stunting status among under-5 children in Rwanda using neural network model: Evidence from 2020 Rwanda demographic and health survey. F1000Research. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.141458.2
  • Nemerimana, M., & Gbadamosi, M.A. (2025). Trends in the prevalence of concurrent anaemia and stunting among infants and young children in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study from 2010 to 2020. Global Health Action. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2466281
  • Oparinde, K. (2025). Chapter 3: Higher education reforms in Nigeria: Treading key transformations. https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.bk424.03
  • Pruce, K., Price, R.A., & Sabates-Wheeler, R. (2025). Learning from Cash Plus: A Summary of Evidence. https://doi.org/10.19088/cpan.2025.005
  • Riwa, F.P., Odgers‐Jewell, K., Jones, M., & Mushi, A.A. (2025). The Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition Among Infants and Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review. Nutrition Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae189
  • Sibomana, A., Mutuyimana, A., Uwimanimpaye, D., & Tugirinshuti, G.J. (2025). The Impact of Inclusive Education on the Learning Interest of Students with Hearing Impairments in Rwanda. Journal of Classroom Practices. https://doi.org/10.58197/sracm081
  • Turton, A., O'neill, C., Westhuizen, C.V.D., Adu, E., Naidoo, J., Tempelhoff, J., Leonard, L., Naud, P., Zondi, S., Murairwa, S., Tichaawa, T., Babane, V., Potgieter, C., Chibango, V., Genderjustice,, Buccus, I., Tshitangano, T., Lebohang, N., Ndaba,, & Mzindle, D. (2025). Envisioning a promising Africa from diverse perspectives. https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.bk424
  • Uwiragiye, D., Nkuranyabahizi, M., & Alagbonsi, A.I. (2025). Lived Experiences of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Selected Teaching Hospitals in Rwanda. Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.4314/rjmhs.v8i2.7