Factors Promoting the Implementation of the Functional Capacities of Community Animation Cells in Improving Nutritional Status of Children Under Five in Bunyakiri Health Zone, South Kivu Province, DRC

Introduction: While the effectiveness of treating severe and moderate acute malnutrition in children is well-documented, there is limited data on the long- and medium-term functional impact of Community Animation Cells (CACs) on improving the nutritional status of children under five through community-based management in Bunyakiri Health Zone. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study involved a baseline phase, intervention phase, and final phase. It included 140 households each in control and intervention zones and 60 CAC members (30 from each zone). Data was collected using surveys and interviews after a 3-month follow-up of CAC activities. Results: Factors promoting the implementation of the functional capacities of influencing CAC in improving nutritional status of children under five in Bunyakiri health zone included gender, education, economic stability, and age. Men were 18 times (OR= 18) more associated with the functional capacities of CACs compared to women, indicating a significant gender disparity. Education had a slight impact on the CAC’s functional capacities, though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Economic stability was crucial, with CAC members having income-generating jobs being significantly impact on the functional capacities of CAC (p < 0.05). Members over 30 in the Control zone were 1.41 times more likely to use effective nutrition strategies, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Training alone did not significantly promote the functional capacities of CAC in improving nutritional status of children under five (p > 0.05), highlighting the need for ongoing support. Conclusion: To enhance the implementation of the functional capacities CAC in improving child nutrition in Bunyakiri health zone, efforts should focus on promoting gender equity through targeted training, developing economic support for CAC members, providing tailored educational programs, and ensuring continuous training and supervision. Leveraging the experience of older members alongside the dynamism of younger members can further optimize program impact.