Tlokweng battles child malnutrition crisis

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.