​The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is intensifying its response to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children, following the identification of 1 467 cases in the 2024/2025 financial year. Of these, 1 367 children were successfully rehabilitated in public hospitals, with the highest incidences reported in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni.
SAM is a life-threatening condition that causes extreme weight loss, weakened immunity, and developmental delays. Many cases are only detected when children are already in critical condition, often presenting with complications such as hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and sepsis.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has urged parents and caregivers to seek early medical intervention. "Malnutrition is preventable. Recognising early signs such as extreme thinness, swelling in the feet or hands, and loss of appetite can save lives," she said.
To strengthen early detection, Community Health Workers are conducting home visits and screening children at Early Childhood Development Centres using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements. These efforts aim to identify at-risk children before their condition worsens.
The Department is also prioritising nutrition education, promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until at least two years. Caregivers are being taught to provide balanced diets rich in essential nutrients.
At clinics, health professionals offer comprehensive support including nutrition counselling, breastfeeding assistance, and management of childhood illnesses through the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) strategy. Children diagnosed with SAM receive therapeutic food supplements such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), vitamin A, and deworming treatments.
Children with complications are referred to hospitals for treatment under the World Health Organisation's 10-Step Protocol. After discharge, they continue receiving nutritional rehabilitation and monitoring at local clinics.
The Department acknowledges that socioeconomic challenges—such as food insecurity and poor feeding practices—are major contributors to malnutrition. In response, it is working with the Department of Social Development to refer affected children for social grants and food parcels.
Gauteng Health emphasises that addressing malnutrition requires a collective effort. Families, communities, and stakeholders must work together to promote proper feeding practices and protect children from the devastating effects of malnutrition.