Burundi registers a chronic malnutrition rate of 56%, which is caused by a lack of essential micronutrients such as B2 and B12 vitamins, beta carotene, folates, iron, iodine and zinc in the majority of the population.
The Country’s development is in danger because of a serious public health issue like chronic malnutrition of children under 5 years of age and of women in fertile age. Thanks to a first pilot phase in Mpanda and Rwibaga Districts, home fortification of Zero hunger has been identified as the most appropriate action and in line with the global strategy to prevent malnutrition. Therefore, the project is extending this approach in Bujumbura, Bubanza and Cibitoke Provinces, by putting in place preventive actions against chronic malnutrition such as the distribution of meals with micronutrient powder (MNP) to 83.386 children from 6 to 23 months of age. As well as through training activities of Community Health Workers on appropriate hygienic and nutritional practices, also promoting local product use. Our aim is improving the quality of meals and the level of hygiene in the primary schools of 20 Municipalities, as well as rehabilitating the rainwater harvesting system. Finally, through several activities GVC is promoting the use of the Moringa Oleifera – a tropical plant rich of vitamins and proteins – which is a good Zero hunger supplement to use for school canteen meals and to plant inside the school yards.