Providing continuity of health services in an already stretched health system is no small ask during a pandemic. The COVID-19 lockdown phases have affected the availability and accessibility of essential health services, especially for women and children. Travel restrictions, staff shortages at health facilities and disrupted community health worker routines have all reduced access to healthcare.
11,280 hospital admissions for severe acute malnutrition in children below five years of age within one year , including 806 deaths. The trends in hospital admissions and deaths associated with child malnutrition have been improving over the past few years, but could potentially deteriorate rapidly due to an increase in child hunger.Child nutrition, growth and health are intimately intertwined and will be jointly affected if mitigation strategies are not urgently put in place.
South Africa isn’t experiencing a famine, but a lack of access to food. It is time to set new goals, while being vigilant in maintaining the COVID-19 response. Children and young people should be a priority, while continuing to shield the old and sick. Combating hunger will cost money, but just as importantly, it will be about having a vision and a plan.
This plan needs to be in sync with the rebuilding of the economy, and requires coordination of all the relevant role players. These include various government departments, businesses, non-governmental and faith-based organisations and donors. The plan should also harness the goodwill of ordinary South Africans. Constructively contributing towards the rebuilding of the country may be an effective antidote to COVID-19 fatigue.