Child Health Month: Protecting Our Future

August marks Child Health Month in South Africa, a time when the nation focuses on the health and wellbeing of its youngest citizens. This annual campaign highlights the importance of preventing childhood diseases and ensuring every child has access to basic healthcare services.

Despite significant progress since democracy, South Africa still faces serious challenges in child health. According to recent UNICEF data, one infant in 5 is not fully immunised by their first birthday. Even more concerning, only 21% of children under five receive a minimum acceptable diet, with a 5% prevalence of wasting and 29% of stunting among young children. These statistics reveal the urgent need for continued focus on child health initiatives. Malnutrition affects a child's ability to learn, grow, and develop properly. When children are malnourished, they are more likely to get sick and struggle in school.

The importance of immunisation

One of the most effective ways to protect children's health is through vaccination. South Africa's Expanded Programme on Immunisation provides free vaccines to children at clinics across the country. These vaccines protect against serious diseases like measles, polio, tuberculosis, and whooping cough.

However, the increase in unvaccinated children remains a concern. Parents and caregivers need to ensure their children receive all required vaccinations according to the national schedule. This is especially important for children under two years old, who are most vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Nutrition and early development

Good nutrition forms the foundation of child health. Children need proper nutrition not just to grow physically, but also for their brains to develop properly. The first 1000 days of a child's life (from conception to age two) are critical for lifelong health and development. Many families struggle to provide nutritious food due to poverty and limited access to healthy options. Community programmes, school feeding schemes, and nutrition education can help address these challenges.

Healthcare access

Access to healthcare remains unequal across South Africa. Children in rural areas and townships often have limited access to quality healthcare services. Long distances to clinics, transport costs, and overcrowded facilities make it difficult for families to seek regular healthcare for their children. The government continues to work on improving healthcare infrastructure and training more healthcare workers. Community health workers play a vital role in bringing basic healthcare services closer to communities.

Child health is not just the responsibility of healthcare workers and government. Communities, families, and individuals all have a role to play. This includes supporting breastfeeding mothers, ensuring children attend regular health check-ups, and creating safe environments for children to play and learn.

Schools also play an important part by providing health education and identifying children who may need medical attention. Teachers often notice when children are unwell or struggling, and can help connect families with healthcare services.

Child Health Month serves as a reminder that investing in children's health is investing in the country's future. Healthy children are more likely to succeed in school, contribute to their communities, and break cycles of poverty. The focus should be on prevention rather than treatment. This means ensuring children receive proper nutrition, vaccinations, and regular health check-ups. It also means addressing the social conditions that affect child health, such as poverty, unsafe living conditions, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

During Child Health Month, communities across South Africa organise health screenings, vaccination drives, and educational programmes. These initiatives help raise awareness about child health issues and provide practical support to families.

Child Health Month reminds us that every child deserves the best possible start in life. By working together, we can ensure that all South African children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and reach their full potential.