KIGALI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's latest Demographic and Health Survey data, released Wednesday, showed a consistent decline in stunting among children aged under five in the East African country.
Child stunting fell from 33 percent in 2020 to 27 percent in 2025, representing a 6-percentage-point decline, according to the data.
The decline was attributable to various interventions, including maternal and child health services, family planning and antenatal care and nutrition programs.
Boys are more likely to be stunted than girls, and children born to mothers without formal education face the risk of stunting compared to those whose mothers studied beyond secondary school.
Child and maternal mortality dropped significantly over the past five years, with the number of children dying before their fifth birthday declining to 149 in 2025 down from 203 in 2020, according to the survey.
The survey also showed that under-5 mortality declined from 45 to 36 per 1,000 live births.
Speaking during the dissemination of the survey results, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa said the findings would guide national development plans, sector strategies, and evidence-based budgeting, ensuring policies meet the real needs of our population.
"Government is committed to integrating these findings to strengthen primary healthcare, social protection, education, and local economic development. This demands continued cross-sector coordination, targeted action, and efficient public spending," he added. ■