Childhood immunisation coverage in South Africa has fallen sharply. As a result, the Department of Health has called for urgent action as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases spread across the country. The proportion of infants under one year who have received no vaccinations rose from 12.1% in 2017 to 36.3% between January and April 2026. As a result, the share of…
Tag: child health
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Reach For A Dream Anniversary Highlights Power Of Hope
For children living with life-threatening illnesses, medical treatment is only one part of the recovery journey. As we celebrate the Reach For A Dream Anniversary, it’s important to remember that healthcare professionals say hope, emotional support and opportunities to enjoy childhood can also help young patients cope with difficult treatment. This message was highlighted during an event hosted by Reach…
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Child Stunting Risks Threaten South Africa’s 2030 Goals
Children living in poorly serviced informal settlements face severe health threats. Repeated infections caused by unhygienic living conditions are drastically increasing their vulnerability to development issues. The DG Murray Trust has issued an urgent warning to the healthcare sector. South Africa’s national goal to end child stunting by 2030 hangs in the balance. The non-profit organisation stresses that all spheres…
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Child Hunger Worsens Despite Improved National Food Security
A troubling paradox has emerged from South Africa’s latest food security data: while the nation’s overall food security shows signs of recovery, the number of households with children experiencing hunger has significantly increased. This trend casts a dark shadow over the country’s progress and highlights a deepening crisis for its most vulnerable citizens. The SA Food Security Index 2025, which…
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Childhood Obesity: Addressing Lifestyle Diseases Early
**Focus Keywords:** Childhood obesity South Africa, child health, lifestyle diseases, hypertension in children, SAMRC study, healthy eating for kids A devastating childhood obesity crisis is leading to children, some as young as five, developing severe lifestyle-related diseases. These are typically found in middle-aged adults, a new study from South Africa has revealed. Poor eating habits and a lack of physical…
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Trump administration cuts $2.6bn in vaccine funding
The Trump administration’s announcement to reduce US foreign aid funding has sent shockwaves through the global health community. Among the most affected are Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and major anti-malaria initiatives. These cuts, part of a broad reduction in programmes managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have raised significant concerns regarding the future of life-saving interventions…