By Buhiga Bos, Hirwa Hakim Cyusa, Brandy Elza Tsimba, Comahoue, Mbabazi Phionah
A community health campaign in Kigali’s Jali Sector is gaining ground as fortified porridge becomes a key tool in tackling child malnutrition, anemia, and poor dietary intake among vulnerable households. The initiative, supported by Rainbow Health Food Ltd, is reshaping local nutrition habits and encouraging families to rethink the way they feed young children.
Malnutrition, particularly iron deficiency and stunting, remains one of the most persistent public health concerns in the sector. Although Jali is a growing peri-urban area, many households continue to depend on traditional, unfortified porridge that lacks essential nutrients for childhood growth and development.
To address this gap, Rainbow Health Food Ltd and its distribution teams have expanded the circulation of Monti Composite Flour, a fortified porridge blend made from roasted maize, soybeans, millet, high-iron beans, and groundnuts. Rich in protein and micronutrients, Monti flour is designed to boost iron levels, strengthen immunity, and support healthy development in children under five.
At the Jali trading center, where the health outreach first began, delivery teams offload sacks of Monti flour for community distribution. Kirenga Pascal, a distribution worker with Rainbow Health, said the work goes beyond supplying food.
“This is health work as much as it is logistics,” Kirenga said. “When a child gets the nutrients they need, their immunity strengthens. You start seeing fewer cases of fatigue, pale skin, or delayed growth.”
Local health workers echo these observations. Uwamahoro Gaudence, who leads nutrition education sessions across Jali, said more parents are beginning to understand the link between diet and health.
“Some parents used to think a full stomach meant a healthy child,” she said. “But a child can eat every day and still be malnourished. Once we explain that fortified porridge supports blood health and proper growth, they start taking it seriously.”
Community-based organizations in the sector also report noticeable improvements. Members say the daily porridge routine has reduced complaints of dizziness, tiredness, and poor concentration among children. Many households have also reported fewer signs of iron-deficiency anemia after introducing fortified flour into their meals.
The growing acceptance of fortified foods marks a promising shift in Jali’s fight against malnutrition. With continued support from health workers, community groups, and companies like Rainbow Health Food Ltd, families are gaining the knowledge and resources they need to keep their children healthy and strong.
