On May 12, 2025, Eastern Province Governor , Hon. Pudence Rubingisa, and Mayor John Bosco Nyemazi welcomed a high-level delegation from the World Bank on a mission to assess and support ongoing efforts in Early Childhood Development (ECDs) and stunting eradication in the District.

The delegation was led by the World Bank Country Representative, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the Director General of the National Child Development Agency, and the Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, RBC.

During the visit, Mayor Nyemazi presented encouraging results from the District’s ECD initiatives, highlighting a notable drop in stunting rates. He attributed the success to a holistic and collaborative approach that integrates strong institutional partnerships, robust community involvement, and targeted health and nutrition interventions.

“Our community-centered model continues to yield tangible outcomes. This progress demonstrates the power of collaboration and targeted investment in children’s health and development.” Said Mayor Nyemazi.

Discussions with the delegation focused on the importance of sustaining these gains and maximizing the long-term impact of ECD programs. Participants reflected on key lessons learned throughout the project’s implementation and emphasized the need for strategic planning, capacity-building, and ongoing stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability of the interventions.

Governor Rubingisa reaffirmed the District’s commitment to building on the achievements, stating, “We are proud of the strides made so far. Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind in accessing essential services that support their growth and development.”

The World Bank delegation expressed appreciation for the District’s leadership and innovative practices, signaling continued support for initiatives that improve child health outcomes and reduce stunting across Rwanda.