A total of 1457 children under the age of five died of acute malnutrition in the past two years in South Africa, the majority due to severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng were the hardest hit with 265, 230, 190, and 172 deaths respectively from January 1, 2023 to November 8, 2024.

This was according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s response to a parliamentary question from DA MP Michele Clarke.

“As part of efforts to reduce deaths in young children, the Department of Health monitors the number of deaths in children under five years of age in all public health facilities. Aggregated data on common causes of deaths in children under five years of age (lists) diarrhoea and pneumonia as well as ... underlying causes such as severe and moderate acute malnutrition,” said Motsoaledi.

The minister said a number of successes have been noted, including increasing the coverage package of essential health services predominantly provided by primary healthcare facilities.

“Governance structures are in place; ministerial committees advise the minister on steps required to reduce mortality and morbidity amongst mothers, newborns and children.

“Innovative communication campaigns have increased access to information for mothers during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and provided support to parents and other caregivers regarding the full scope of early childhood development,” said Motsoaledi.

Between 2018/19 and 2022/23, severe acute malnutrition rose by 26.3%.

“At least one in four children in South Africa are stunted, a direct result of malnutrition. What is more concerning is that stunting is on the increase.

“And in 2020, 10% of children in South Africa lived in households that reported child hunger.

“It is clear that urgent intervention is needed and that the Department of Health must strengthen its links with community outreach programmes to reach and assist as many acutely malnourished children as possible to prevent further complications,” said Clarke.

Grow Great executive director Dr Edzani Mphaphuli said the statistics revealed a heartbreaking reality that cannot be ignored.

“We are staring into the face of a public health crisis.

“The fact that provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng are the hardest hit is alarming and emphasises an urgent need for action.

“These numbers speak volumes about the socioeconomic factors affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in impoverished communities.

“Every statistic tells a story of a child who is missing out on their right to health and life.

“To combat this crisis, we need a multi-faceted approach,” said Mphaphuli.

Mphaphuli called for increased investment in maternal and child health services focusing on quality nutrition and education for mothers about infant care and breastfeeding.

“Addressing stunting specifically requires community-based programmes.

“We must strengthen partnerships between government, NGOs, and local communities to extend our reach and effectivenes,” said Mphaphuli

“Tackling underlying issues like food insecurity and ensuring stable incomes for families is essential to eliminate malnutrition and stunting.”

Cape Times