Multi-sectoral platforms and provincial civil society networks for eradicating malnutrition in Burundi

The Civil Society Network (CSN) for Scaling Up Nutrition, in collaboration with the NGO Concern Worldwide, organized in Cankuzo commune and province (eastern Burundi) a workshop for launching multi-sectoral platforms and provincial civil society networks for nutrition and food security, in favor of the administrative and health authorities, partners of the civil society network for nutrition and food security working in the province.

During the workshop, Dr. Brigitte Ndelema of Concern Worldwide presented the different forms of malnutrition: acute malnutrition and chronic malnutrition. According to Dr. Ndelema, the causes of malnutrition are related to inadequate diet or food insecurity. It has serious economic, social, intellectual and health consequences.

The report of the health demographic survey conducted in Burundi by the Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies of Burundi (ISTEEBU) in 2016 shows that six out of 10 children under five suffer from malnutrition, said Dr. Ndelema, stating that 56% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and 4.7 per cent suffer from acute malnutrition.

In addition, Dr. Zacharie Kubwimana, a provincial general practitioner of Cankuzo, confirmed the report, noting that other studies done in 2017 revealed the same results. Dr. Kubwimana took the opportunity to present the state of malnutrition in Cankuzo province where, according to the same reports, 59 per cent of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and 6% from acute malnutrition.

He said the phenomenon of malnutrition is a reality in Burundi in general and in Cankuzo province in particular. The Cankuzo general practitioner and the representative of Concern Worldwide insisted on sensitizing the people to the good management of the production.

In addition, they urged the provincial administration to make every effort to coordinate and collaborate with Concern Worldwide to ensure the success of its activities aimed at revitalizing and informing on the importance of multi-sectoral nutrition platforms in all provinces and in particular that of Cankuzo.

As for the senior adviser of the governor of Cankuzo, Mr. Pierre Claver Nakumuryango who took part in that workshop, he expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of that project to support the good health of the people and recommended to the stakeholders to always align with the straight line they have set for themselves to eradicate malnutrition in all its forms.

More information

• Burundi- Cankuzo: The plan to eradicate malnutrition well underway