The month of May is National Child Protection Month. It is commemorated in our country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children. Protecting children from violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse isn’t just everyone’s responsibility it’s our moral obligation!
In this month’s blog post we focus on ‘neglect’. Neglect is the failure to provide for children’s basic emotional and physical needs. Failure to provide this basic human right is a violation.
Data from our recent admissions show that many of the children placed in our care due to neglect are underweight, weak, have not reached developmental milestones, and in some instances have underlying illnesses. Antiretroviral Treatment cannot be taken on an empty stomach, and since many of the children placed in our care come from socioeconomically challenged homes where even basic meals are not affordable, nonadherence to treatment is a common issue.
Malnutrition in children is defined as an imbalance in nutrient intake. The lack of food, poor eating habits and nutritional malabsorption impacts their growth, development, and general health.
Some of the benefits of proper nutrition include:
- Stable energy
- Strong bones and teeth
- Improved mental health, allowing for clear thinking and alertness
- Maintained healthy weight
- Prevention of chronic diseases
That’s why when a child is placed in our care, they are carefully assessed. Each child has an individual development plan and is provided appropriate care and support to cater for their individual needs. Our kitchen follows a weekly menu plan that has been approved by a registered dietician. Children with specific dietary requirements associated with their illnesses or religious requirements are catered for. ‘’Giving children a healthy start in life, no matter where they are born or the circumstances of their birth, is the moral obligation of every one of us.’’ – Nelson Mandela.
If you need help or know of anyone in need of assistance, please take note of the following number – Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
References:
https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/malnutrition-in-children