Muhanga District introduces One litre per child program to eliminate child stunting

The program will see every stunted child get one liter of milk per week to supplement other food diets to improve their healthier growth.

Available statistics reveal that the district had recorded 23 per cent of stunting cases in 2022 and 19 per cent in 2023 indicating steady decline due to tremendous strides made in tackling potential risks of stunting.

The authorities say that the program is being introduced in all 75 Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDs) across the district that were put in place to alleviate malnutrition and stunting among children.

Speaking to journalists, the Mayor of Muhanga District, Jacqueline Kayitare said the new program was meant to promote good nutrition among stunted children adding that the current rate of stunting among children in the district had reduced significantly due to the government’s commitment.

“This program of providing milk to children has had many benefits and yielded more. It came to support other programs placed by the government all aligned to reduce malnutrition,” Mayor Jacqueline said, adding that, since children don’t take milk every day, they alternatively receive nutritious porridge as another body building supplementary diet.

She called on the parents to understand the importance of the program for better income to benefit children.