National Nutrition Policy 2005

Given to continued deterioration of nutritional situation in Rwanda, the consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the nutrition and health. Especially in women and children, as well as the role of nutrition in the fight against AIDS, the government has adopted the present national nutrition policy in 2005. It is a multisectoral policy which aims to ensure good nutrition for all Rwandese.
The general objective of the national nutrition policy is to improve the nutritional status of the Rwandan people.
In order to improve the nutritional status of the population, the policy seeks to achieve the following specific objectives: (i) promote practices favorable to the improvement of the nutritional status, (ii) reduce the prevalence of diseases linked to nutritional deficiencies and excesses, (iii) reduce the prevalence of diseases linked to nutritional deficiencies and excesses, (iv) assure adequate treatment of malnutrition due to nutritional deficiencies and excesses, (v) provide nutritional care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
In order to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, a number of key strategies will be implemented by the policy in order to reduce the prevalence rate of nutrition disorders, including: (i) social mobilization activities for the promotion of safe water, personal and environmental hygiene, the use of impregnated mosquito nets, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and community health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), (ii) integration of nutrition in the curriculum of basic education at primary and secondary levels, and establish an in-service training program for health professionals, (iii) promote food security for households and production of local nutrient-rich foods at community level, (iv) support to operational research on infant and young child feeding, (v) development of national standards governing the fortification of local or imported foods coupled with promulgation of relevant legislation, (vi) establish a nutrition surveillance system integrated in the HIS, (vii) develop long term strategies to sustain nutrition care and support for PLWHA including income generating activities and improved agricultural production.
In the context of governance, to harmonize, exchange and synergize efforts for promoting nutrition and the integrated management of nutrition development programs, the intersectoral nutrition committee should be composed of representatives from institutions all stakeholders. The representation from the above institutions should be at the level of National Director or Assistant Director. The commission chairmanship will be taken in turns while the secretariat will be assumed by the Nutrition Unit under the Ministry of Health.