14 Jan 2016

The Old Naledi ward in Gaborone has high malnutrition cases of under-five years-olds.

Presenting an Urban Development Committee report during the ongoing Gaborone City Council meeting, principal economic planner, Mr Tebogo Tshoswane said cases of malnutrition at Old Naledi Clinic were above the national target.

Mr Tshoswane said reasons to the malnutrition cases may be linked to lack of food rations in the facility.

He highlighted that there has been inconsistency of food rations in most clinics around Gaborone due to long tendering processes.

He continued to say there has also been an incomplete food supplementation ration, adding that only cooking oil and malutu were available.

He also said there has been cases were transport shortage could have been a contributing factor.

On other issues, he stated that there were findings of long lasting alcohol and drug abuse as well as child headed homes because of neglect. He added that it reflect a chronic lack of nutrition, care and general health which could be some of the reasons for the high malnutrition status.

Nevertheless, Mr Tshoswane said the Old Naledi Clinic, including the nutrition facility rehabilitation clinic, were working hard to curb issues of malnutrition.

He said they would also strengthen team work with stakeholders in addressing the malnutrition. Ends