Rwanda’s most recent Demographic and Health Survey, released on Wednesday, December 17, indicates a steady reduction in child stunting among children under five, falling from 33 percent in 2020 to 27 percent in 2025.
The decline is attributed to maternal and child health interventions, family planning, antenatal care, and nutrition programs. Boys and children of mothers without formal education remain at higher risk of stunting.
The survey also highlights notable improvements in child and maternal survival, with under-five mortality decreasing from 45 to 36 per 1,000 live births and the number of children dying before age five dropping from 203 in 2020 to 149 in 2025.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa emphasised that the findings will inform national development plans, sector strategies, and evidence-based budgeting. The government plans to integrate the results to enhance primary healthcare, social protection, education, and local economic development, calling for continued cross-sector coordination and targeted interventions.