Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part A (2025)

Introduction: Child malnutrition remains a major public health concern, further exacerbated in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by recurrent armed conflicts. This study aimed to analyse the effects of Community Animation Cells (CAC) activities on the prevention and management of malnutrition among children under five years of age in the Kalehe Health Zone, heavily affected by the M23 conflict. 
Methodology: This analytical study was conducted among 383 households with children under five, complemented by 10 community health officers, 30 focus groups composed of CAC members, and 30 focus groups of household members from nine health areas, including representatives of non-governmental organisations involved in nutrition. Data were analysed using ENA and SPSS version 27 software. 
Results: Home visits conducted by CAC members were significantly associated with better nutritional status among children (OR = 1.79; p = 0.028), while conflict-related displacements substantially increased the risk of malnutrition (OR = 2.82; p = 0.001). The study confirms that CACs contributed positively to malnutrition prevention through early screening, awareness sessions on IYCF/ENA, distribution of MNPs and Plumpy’Sup, and promotion of community hygiene practices. However, their impact remained constrained by insecurity, logistical weaknesses, psychosocial fatigue among volunteers, and household income losses. 
Conclusion: CACs emerged as a pillar of nutritional resilience during crisis periods, ensuring the continuity of essential services despite conflict-related challenges. Strengthening the technical, logistical, and psychosocial capacities of CACs and sustainably integrating their interventions within a community-based multisectoral approach are essential to enhance nutritional resilience among populations affected by armed conflicts.