Pretoria - Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu says plans are in place to address the high fatality rate caused by acute malnutrition amongst children in the province.
The department’s annual report revealed that about 3 040 new cases of acute malnutrition were identified during the period 2015/16. About 1 512 children were admitted at different health facilities and about 113 deaths were recorded as a result of acute malnutrition.
“These vulnerable children are identified at our primary health centres with suspected malnutrition (moderate or severe malnutrition). They are referred to hospital for final diagnosis through the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification protocol and put on appropriate treatment,” said MEC Mahlangu.
The MEC said in an effort to fight the scourge of malnutrition, the department will ensure that children are managed before malnutrition is so advanced, it leads to death.
“Our antenatal care will continue to identify women at risk of malnutrition due to low income and provide them with food supplementations. The Department of Social Development will continue to provide food parcels.”
The department will continue to train doctors and nurses in all healthcare facilities on the correct classification of severe acute malnutrition for early diagnosis and immediate access to appropriate treatment.
“Early childhood development (ECD) centres in Gauteng with children from low income households are also trained, through the Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, to identify children vulnerable to malnutrition.
“Standard menus are provided by the Department of Health to all ECD centres. We are finalising our plans to implement the Community-Based Growth Promotion and Monitoring Programme and train all ECD practitioners on the Vitamin A and Deworming Programme,” said the MEC. - SAnews.gov.za
