16 Oct 2023

Mahalapye District remote areas are reportedly recording high rates of underweight children due to malnutrition. 

Improper feeding practices by caregivers, as well as childhood illnesses as diarrhea and vomiting in children under five years, are said to be contributing factors.

This came to light during a recent meeting by Member of Parliament for Shoshong Mr Aubrey Lesaso, with heads of departments and parastatals at Mahalapye Hospital, where district officer - development Ms Itumeleng Peter said the highest severe underweight rate of 1.8 per cent was recorded in Otse catchment area.

Ms Peter said the district average total underweight recorded in 2021 was 3.0 per cent, 4.0 per cent in 2022 and 4.1 per cent rate this year. 

She said that despite improvement in ration coverage, this year recorded the highest total underweight rate, higher than the national target of 3 per cent. 

Ms Peter advised parents to cook and provide proper meals for their children in order to fight malnutrition.

Though they have not been providing full package of food at health facilities, Ms Peter said they were trying to prioritise those in remote areas.

Ms Peter also reported shortage of pharmacy technicians, noting that DHMT was facing challenges with dispensing medication after nurses stopped performing the duty. 

DHMT is mitigating the shortage by clustering distribution of pharmacy technicians, Ms Peter said.

She expressed a concern on limited funds for maintenance of health facilities saying available funds were mainly used to attend emergencies across the 46 facilities in the district since it was not enough for full maintenance. 

In response, Mr Lesaso said malnutrition was a major concern that needed to be addressed and advised health education officers to visit affected areas and educate parents.

“Teach them the importance of hygiene when handling children, to avoid diseases, most of which are caused by germs”, Mr Lesaso said. 

He said the food provided to children in hospitals was meant to improve their body nutrition and keep them fit and healthy.

He encouraged parents to feed children regularly and take them for their monthly weight check even when food rations was not available at clinics. 

He advised that schools and health facilities be prioritised when making plans. ENDS