Alarming statistics put KwaZulu-Natal at the forefront of South Africa’s child hunger crisis, with around two to four times the reported levels in other provinces. Spotlight visited one of the province’s most rural districts to find the children at the heart of these numbers and the organisations making a difference.
While the word midwife often conjures up images of old-fashioned births, the profession is still a vital part of modern health care. Spotlight spoke to some midwives and those involved in training about what it takes to be a midwife.
With little progress being made in certain areas of child, adolescent and maternal health, Kathryn Cleary spoke to the experts to outline the top 10 issues to watch for the new year and the new decade.
Amidst concerns over rising neonatal deaths in some health facilities in Gauteng, at least one hospital, Leratong Hospital, has a good story to tell.
A newborn’s first 1 000 days are crucial, according to paediatrician, Dr Elmarie Malek. Malek presented a paper at the 10th Child Health Priorities Conference last weekend highlighting the need to invest in a child’s first 1000 days.
Health practitioners, caregivers and academics recently attended the 10th Child Health Priorities Conference at the University of North West (NWU) under the theme – “survive, thrive and transform – championing change for children”. Some experts argued that South Africa’s children is surviving, but not thriving. Madala Thepa reports.
On a leafy street in Rondebosch, Cape Town, a new palliative care facility for children is taking shape. Biénne Huisman paid a visit.
Sometimes a child’s death is not just inevitable, but imminent. For a pragmatic like Dr Michelle Meiring the challenge lies in cushioning the landing.
From a children’s hospice in Bloemfontein to leading an international network, Joan Marston has made a major contribution to palliative care for children. Biénne Huisman went to meet her.
In July Bloemfontein is dry and hued in shades of brown. Against this backdrop, the Sunflower Children’s Hospice rises like an oasis: the house is covered in bright murals and surrounded by trees and budding shrubs. Biénne Huisman stepped inside.