Rising malnutrition cases among Chatsworth children

THE Child Welfare Chatsworth (CWC) is shining the spotlight on the rising cases of malnutrition among children amid systemic issues contributing to them being hospitilised due to not having sufficient nutrition.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

The increase in cases has been attributed to paternal abandonment, poverty, rising food prices and the breakdown of family structures.

Last week - in a parliamentary response to the DA - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that KwaZulu-Natal’s malnutrition figures for children under the age of 5 remained unacceptably high, with 177 deaths recorded last year alone.

Motsoaledi said that 59 children had died of moderate acute malnutrition in KZN’s public health facilities, while 118 succumbed due to severe acute malnutrition. This figure rose by 26% during the past five years.

This year, in KZN, eight children died of moderate malnutrition, while a further 21 died of severe malnutrition.

The CWC is dealing with 38 cases of neglect allegations involving children at the risk of, or suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition, since January to date.

This includes children who had been referred to CWC through schools, clinics, telephone call allegations, and home visits.

"Of these, 15 cases were classified as severe, requiring immediate medical attention and intervention in collaboration with local health facilities and social services.

"These numbers reflect only the cases we are directly involved in. The true figures in the community are likely higher," said CWC director, Pranashen Pillay.

He said the number of children experiencing hunger and showing signs of malnutrition in Chatsworth was increasing rapidly.

"We have encountered numerous cases where children have arrived at our offices without having eaten for a day or more.

"We also have cases of children who are admitted to hospital and are on the brink of death due to severe malnutrition. The situation is serious, and requires ongoing support and intervention.

"We had heartbreaking cases where children have been admitted to hospitals weighing far below the healthy range for their age.