Kgatleng slight decline in malnutrition cases reported
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday September 30, 2025 15:45
According to the report presented by the Kgatleng District Development Committee (DDC), the prevalence of malnutrition has decreased from 3.7 percent in the previous quarter to 3.3 percent in the current reporting period.
Although the decrease may seem modest, local health authorities have welcomed the development as a positive step in the ongoing fight against child and community malnutrition. The 0.4 percent drop reflects ongoing interventions aimed at improving nutritional standards within the district, particularly in high-risk communities.
However, while the overall district average has improved, several areas continue to experience significantly higher malnutrition rates, raising concern among local leaders and public health officials, the DDC says.
The DDC report says the most affected area remains Malolwane, which recorded an 8.0 percent malnutrition rate, more than double the district average. This is followed closely by Mochudi, reporting 7.0 percent, and Kgomodiatshaba, with 6.3 percent. Other affected localities include Oliphant, which stands at 5.5 percent, while Artesia and Leshibitse both report 5.3 percent. The figures highlight persistent disparities in health and nutrition across the district, with certain villages experiencing far greater vulnerability than others.
Furthermore, the report says contributing factors include poor childcare/negligence by some caregivers who prioritise other things over childcare. It also highlighted that there is an inconsistent supply of rations.
However, the report says stock comprising beans and Malutu, and some food commodities had to be discarded as they had reached their shelf life. While a shortage of therapeutic foods for the management of severely acute malnourished children due to a lack of funds.
“Orientation of Health Workers on June 19, 2025. Lobby for the procurement of therapeutic foods by the MoH, as there are no funds in MLG&TA. Continue to liaise with FRS for adequate ration supply with a good shelf life. - Continue with blanket feeding for under-fives. -Referral of malnourished children to the Dietician or Pediatrician for further assessment and management,” it reveals.
Still on that, some factors realized to contribute to these elevated rates may include poverty, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare services, and lack of awareness about proper nutrition, particularly in early childhood.
The District Council emphasised the need for targeted interventions to address these discrepancies. A council representative noted that while the overall reduction is encouraging, “we must not lose sight of the communities that are still facing serious nutritional challenges,” the report says as part of the council's intervention strategy.
In response to these findings, the council is expected to intensify its efforts through multi-sectoral collaboration. Plans are underway to strengthen community outreach programs, expand nutritional education initiatives, and improve access to nutritional supplements and healthcare services in hotspot areas.
Additionally, the council is working closely with local clinics, schools, and social welfare offices to identify vulnerable households and implement early intervention strategies. Through a coordinated approach, officials hope to prevent further deterioration in high-risk zones and sustain the positive trend seen in the overall figures.
It is also anticipated that civil society and development partners will play a supportive role in the implementation of new community nutrition initiatives. Their involvement is deemed crucial in addressing underlying socioeconomic issues that contribute to malnutrition in the district. Moving forward, the council has committed to monitoring these trends closely and providing quarterly updates to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in public health efforts. Meanwhile, on Diarrhea cases from January to March this year, according to the report, 62 diarrhea cases with no dehydration were reported, 345 with dehydration, and 33 cases with diarrhea with blood and no death recorded. While in April-June 2025, 31 cases of diarrhea with some dehydration were recorded, 168 cases of diarrhea with no dehydration were observed, and nine cases of diarrhea with blood were recorded; no death was recorded.
However, some of the challenges include poor parental care/Child negligence, and poor hygiene practices at home. Some of the interventions include strengthening education on childhood illnesses and their prevention measure, promoting good hygiene practices (hand-washing and safe waste disposal), and improving immunization of children under the age of five.
As for Malaria cases, zero local transmission was recorded in January-March 2025, while two cases were reported, and they were all imported cases. According to the DDC report, for April-June 2025, six cases were reported, three imported, three indigenous.
The challenge that the council encountered is that there is an increase in the number of imported cases, as it was a Malaria season (October-May), and not getting Malaria Prophylaxis while travelling to endemic countries.
“Inadequate active case finding,” it states. Some of the interventions include sensitizations on Malaria prophylaxis and prevention measures through health talks and strengthening active case finding to follow up contacts for all cases.