A risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) response to support maternal, infant and young child nutrition in the context of COVID-19 in Rwanda. (Special Section: COVID-19 nutrition programming.)

In Rwanda, two sub-committees were established within the Nutrition Sector to lead nutrition-related RCCE activities, building on a previous national RCCE strategy developed as part of Ebola preparedness efforts. Nutrition-related RCCE needs were identified through a review of existing data from available government reports and mainstream media and social media reports and in consultation with Nutrition Sector partners through the sub-committees. Related key messages to address myths and misconceptions were subsequently developed. Capacity strengthening and training activities for community health workers leading on RCCE activities were conducted via Zoom, WhatsApp, email and telephonically. Key messages were disseminated through print and electronic media channels as well as via community radio stations. Parliamentarians were also engaged to expand the reach of messages. Measuring the impact of RCCE activities has been challenging although changes in practices were monitored through social media and community-level monitoring systems and the uptake of services was measured through routine indicator tracking. Increases in service uptake were noted and positive behaviour changes were reflected within feedback mechanisms. As a next step, the Government of Rwanda intends to conduct a rapid qualitative and quantitative assessment to further understand the impact of RCCE nutrition-related activities.