The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has intensified efforts to combat malnutrition
amid identified cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) among children.
SAM is a critical public health issue that leads to extreme weight loss, muscle wasting,
weakened immunity and developmental delays, leaving affected children more
vulnerable to infections such as diarrhoea and tuberculosis. If left untreated, malnutrition
can have devastating long-term effects, including stunted growth, impaired cognitive
development and an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
In the previous financial year (2024/2025), the Gauteng Department of Health reported 1
467 cases of SAM, with 1 367 rehabilitated at our Hospitals. The highest incidences
occurring in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni Health Districts. Alarmingly, many
cases are only identified when children are already in severe distress, often presenting
with complications such as hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and sepsis.
“While malnutrition is preventable, early intervention is critical for saving lives. We urge
parents, caregivers, and communities to make use of health facilities for early screening
and treatment. Recognising early signs of SAM such as extreme thinness, loss of
appetite, swelling in the feet or hands and developmental delays is essential. Caregivers
who suspect a child may be malnourished are encouraged to seek immediate medical
attention at the nearest clinic, “ explains Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu
Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Ongoing Interventions to combat SAM
The MEC further pointed that the department has strengthened early detection and
intervention programmes. “Community Health Workers are actively conducting home
visits and screening children at Early Childhood Development Centres using Mid-Upper
Arm Circumference measurements. These efforts aim to identify children at-risk before
they reach a critical stage.”
Additionally, the department is prioritising nutrition education for families, emphasising
the importance of healthy feeding practices. Parents are informed about the benefits of
exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months from birth and continuing breastfeeding
with the addition of complementary food until two years and beyond. Providing the
children with a balanced diets that includes a variety of foods containing essential
nutrients for growth and development is emphasised through education to mothers and
caregivers.
At the clinic level, health professionals provide comprehensive support, including nutrition
education, breastfeeding assistance, management of childhood illnesses using the
Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses Strategy and provision of therapeutic food
supplements such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), along with micronutrient
supplementation, vitamin A supplements and deworming.
For children with complications, timely referrals to hospitals ensure they receive care
under the World Health Organization’s 10-Step for the management of SAM. After
hospital discharge, children continue to receive nutritional rehabilitation and monitoring
at their nearest local clinics to ensure sustained recovery.
Despite intensified efforts, the department acknowledges that socioeconomic factors
such as food insecurity and poor feeding practices significantly contribute to the rise in
malnutrition cases. Many households struggle to provide adequate nutritious meals,
leading to unhealthy eating habits that replace essential nutrition. Department is
collaborating with Department of Social Development by referring children for social grant
and food parcel.
The department emphasises that combating malnutrition requires a collective effort.
Families and communities must actively engage in promoting proper feeding practices to
protect children from the devastating effects of malnutrition.
Ends//
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health 