[Nutritional situation for mothers and children in South Africa]

Abstract

Background: Even 15 years after the downfall of the apartheid regime, there are significant inequalities regarding resources, welfare and social benefits among the people of South Africa. Poverty prevails and conditions are bad with respect to sanitation, health and living conditions; a situation which is likely to affect nutritional health. We have reviewed the nutritional status in South Africa.

Material and methods: This article is based on literature retrieved from non-systematic reviews of the databases PubMed and High Wire Press, in addition to information from official documents and African journals. The author's recent field work in South Africa was also a source of information.

Results: Nationwide surveys, as well as smaller studies have documented high rates of stunting, malnutrition and deficiency of micronutrients among South African children. Daily hunger is reported from more than half of South African households. There is also a rise in the number of overweight and obese children and mothers. HIV/aids is highly prevalent and often coexists with tuberculosis. Many of these patients have a poor nutritional status, which in turn reduces the effect of antiviral treatment.

Interpretation: The high rate of malnutrition and HIV/aids among mothers and children in South Africa will delay improvement of general health in this population with generations.