Tlokweng battles child malnutrition crisis
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday June 20, 2025 11:43
The report indicates that 0.9% of children were classified as underweight, while 0.5% showed signs of growth failure, highlighting persistent nutritional challenges in the area. While there has been some progress, particularly in the coverage of Vitamin A supplementation, the report notes that it still falls short of the set targets.
One of the key barriers to achieving full coverage is the continued incompatibility of Vitamin A capsules with paediatric use, which significantly hampers the programme’s reach and impact. As such, despite some gains, the fight against child malnutrition in Tlokweng is far from over and calls for urgent, targeted interventions. In an interview with the Tlokweng District Council chairperson, Ontiretse Bogatsu on Tuesday, she said: “Malnutrition is multi-factorial, and some of the issues revolve around family welfare, access to food, poverty eradication, feeding patterns, and parenting. It is also related to the chronic diseases some children have, and even acute illness.” Furthermore, she said they will look at the data further and give details of their district, but it is a problem that affects the whole country. “We are currently below the national requirements,” she said.
Meanwhile, still on the report, Tuberculosis (TB) surveillance reported 14 new cases (increase or decrease), with nine being sputum-positive. “All TB patients were tested for HIV, and those positive were promptly initiated on ART. The TB cure rate and treatment success indicators improved slightly, but continued community education and prompt case management are required,” the report reveals. Drug availability remains sub-optimal, with overall availability at 57%, far below the national target of 97%. The report further indicates that the District Health Management Team (DHMT) continues to rely on minor procurement strategies and Central Medical Stores to address the gaps. “Immunisation coverage was below target across most antigens, with BCG and polio coverages at 46% and 48%, respectively. This shortfall is attributed to a shortage of syringes, diluents, and other logistics. Nonetheless, (Human Papillomavirus) HPV vaccination coverage remained high,” it says.
However, the rehabilitation programme currently has 268 clients, with nine new registrations for the quarter, four patients awaiting wheel chairs and four issued with wheel chairs, other clients were referred for other services as follows; six to S&CD (cash allowance =three, S&CD for Socio-Economic assistance= three), Medical Officer II, Psychiatry one and Neurology was only one. As for Port Health Services, it reported increased monitoring activities at the border post. According to the report, all corpses conveyed into the country complied with transboundary requirements. “Screening of international travellers, especially for Mpox, was conducted using questionnaires due to the lack of equipment. Several consignments of medicines and chemicals were detained for non-compliance with importation laws, and a number of food consignments were seized due to labelling violations and poor transportation conditions,” the report indicates. However, the department also reported challenges with hazardous waste disposal and lack of storage for confiscated goods.
While the Department of Immigration, the report says the department continued to facilitate cross-border movements, assisting a total of 228, 247 customers during the reporting period. “Thirteen visitors who had exhausted their permitted 90-day stay were denied entry, while 54 citizens were denied exit due to reasons such as expired passports, soaked or damaged passports and failure to present an affidavit from the other parent, where applicable.
In addition, three visitors were denied exit,” it says. Moreover, the report indicated that a total of 430 visitors were issued visas at the point of entry, resulting in revenue collection amounting to P130, 300. Still on the visa issue, 27 visitors were referred to headquarters and regional offices for further examination regarding visa endorsement issues. Furthermore, the report says 32 individuals, including both citizens and non-citizens, were charged and prosecuted for various immigration-related offences. The department remains committed to strengthening compliance and improving the efficiency of border operations, it reveals. On issues of environmental health, the report revealed that the department continues to face challenges related to violations of Waste Management Act and Public Health regulations. “Under the Waste Management Act, a total of 30 cases were recorded, and 72 notices were issued.
Additionally, 15 nuisance cases were registered, including six cases of illegal waste removal, five cases of littering, and four cases related to failure to uphold the duty of care during routine patrols,” the report highlighted.