19 Mar 2019

Malnutrition is a major concern in the Mabutsane Sub-district. 

Speaking in an interview, the head of District Health Management Team (DHMT) in the sub-district, Dr Christopher Chembe said the rate of malnutrition in the district exceeded the average rate of national malnutrition.

Dr Chembe noted that the malnutrition rate in the area was at seven per cent above normal district rate, which stood at three per cent and that the villages of Itholoke, Khakhea, Keng and Mahotshwane were the hardest with the main contributing factors being lack of support by caregivers and negligence by mothers to feed their children.

He said this was despite meal provisions being available in clinics and schools. 

He further said lack of proper diet had long term effects on the brain development of a child. 

He also noted that a child with malnutrition was at risk of getting infected by many types of diseases since their bodies might lack white blood cells. 

To curb the outcry of malnutrition in the area, Dr Chembe said they re-introduced a system called direct feeding in the four hard hit villages.

He said the system allowed them to facilitate  preparation of healthy food at health facilities. 

Dr Chembe further advised caregivers and parents to take responsibility of their children’s health. ENDS