Nutrition of Children in South Africa Laura Ruskamp

Nutrition Statistics Malnutrition kills one child every six seconds. Malnutrition kills one child every six seconds. 55 million children suffer from malnutrition. 55 million children suffer from malnutrition. More than 1/3 of child deaths are attributable to undernutrition. More than 1/3 of child deaths are attributable to undernutrition. Vitamin A deficiency affects 25% of the developing world’s preschoolers and leads to the death of 1 to 3 million children a year. Vitamin A deficiency affects 25% of the developing world’s preschoolers and leads to the death of 1 to 3 million children a year. Iodine deficiency is the greatest single cause of brain damage in young children. Iodine deficiency is the greatest single cause of brain damage in young children. 450,000 children under five die due to zinc deficiency. 450,000 children under five die due to zinc deficiency. Children who are well-nourished will do better in school, develop normally, and give their own future children a better start. Children who are well-nourished will do better in school, develop normally, and give their own future children a better start.

Overview Population: 48,810,427 (ranked 26 th in the world) Population: 48,810,427 (ranked 26 th in the world) Birth Rate: births/1,000 population Birth Rate: births/1,000 population Death Rate: deaths/1,000 population (ranks #1 in the world) Death Rate: deaths/1,000 population (ranks #1 in the world) Maternal Mortality Rate: 410 deaths/100,000 live births Maternal Mortality Rate: 410 deaths/100,000 live births Life Expectancy: years (ranks 219 th ) Life Expectancy: years (ranks 219 th ) 35% of the rural population has unimproved sanitation 35% of the rural population has unimproved sanitation 50% of the population is below the poverty line 50% of the population is below the poverty line Distribution of Income (Gini Index): 65 (ranks 3 rd ) Distribution of Income (Gini Index): 65 (ranks 3 rd )

Nutrition in South Africa Undernourished children have lowered resistance to infection Undernourished children have lowered resistance to infection Diarrhea and respiratory infections Diarrhea and respiratory infections Vicious cycle of recurring sickness Vicious cycle of recurring sickness In 2008, 8.7% of children in Africa were underweight In 2008, 8.7% of children in Africa were underweight No progress made toward MDG 1 No progress made toward MDG 1 “Halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.” “Halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.” Stunting (low height-for-age) affects 24% of children Stunting (low height-for-age) affects 24% of children Wasting (low weight-for-height) affects 5% Wasting (low weight-for-height) affects 5%

Dietary Guidelines for South Africa Developed by Nutrition Society of South Africa Developed by Nutrition Society of South Africa Based on locally consumed foods, address existing deficiencies and excess, and are easily understood Based on locally consumed foods, address existing deficiencies and excess, and are easily understood Guidelines: Guidelines: 1. Enjoy a variety of foods. 1. Enjoy a variety of foods. 2. Be active. 2. Be active. 3. Make starchy foods the basis of most meals. 3. Make starchy foods the basis of most meals. 4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. 4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. 5. Eat dry beans, peas, lentils, and soya often. 5. Eat dry beans, peas, lentils, and soya often.

Guidelines cont. Guidelines: Guidelines: 6. Meat, fish, chicken, milk, and eggs can be eaten everyday. 6. Meat, fish, chicken, milk, and eggs can be eaten everyday. 7. Eat fats sparingly. 7. Eat fats sparingly. 8. Use salt sparingly. 8. Use salt sparingly. 9. Drink lots of clean, safe water. 9. Drink lots of clean, safe water. 10. If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly. 10. If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly.

What is Being Done? Micronutrients Deficiency Control Program: May 2004 – seminar instructing health professionals on appropriate record keeping of vitamin A supplementation Micronutrients Deficiency Control Program: May 2004 – seminar instructing health professionals on appropriate record keeping of vitamin A supplementation Iodine deficiency disease elimination: through compulsory iodization of salt, iodine deficiency is being improved Iodine deficiency disease elimination: through compulsory iodization of salt, iodine deficiency is being improved Food fortification regulations: 2004 – compulsory maize flour and wheat flour fortification Food fortification regulations: 2004 – compulsory maize flour and wheat flour fortification Contains 2 minerals and 6 vitamins that are lacking in a South African diet Contains 2 minerals and 6 vitamins that are lacking in a South African diet

Manna Relief A&feature=BFa&list=UUvYWol0ksbzp9WsuL6Hfe2 w A&feature=BFa&list=UUvYWol0ksbzp9WsuL6Hfe2 w A&feature=BFa&list=UUvYWol0ksbzp9WsuL6Hfe2 w A&feature=BFa&list=UUvYWol0ksbzp9WsuL6Hfe2 w Now impacting 134,170 children in 83 countries Now impacting 134,170 children in 83 countries “Food is not enough.” “Food is not enough.”

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