Investing in nutrition is a crucial step in improving children’s rights: Extending the child support grant into pregnancy will play a vital role in combating stunting and improving the prospects of children in South Africa
South Africa is just two years shy of celebrating 30 years of democracy. Ahead of this critical moment in our country’s life, those in leadership should be asking themselves whether they have done enough to support the realisation of the human rights of our country’s citizens — particularly the most vulnerable, South Africa’s women and children.
“every child has the right to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services”However, with 27% of children under five suffering from stunting because of chronic malnutrition in their early years of life, the right to nutrition remains unattained for far too many of South Africa’s children.
South Africa has made significant strides in reducing poverty since the child support grant was introduced in 1998. The grant isfor children in health, nutrition and education. However it does not cover pregnancy, a time when a child’s growth relies mostly on the nutrition of the mother, and also when almost a quarter of mothers in our country face hunger and malnutrition, which has negative effects on the growth and development of their babies.
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