Overview
- In the 2024/25 year, 1,467 cases of severe acute malnutrition were recorded in Gauteng, with 1,367 children rehabilitated at provincial hospitals.
- Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni reported the highest concentrations of cases, according to the health department.
- Many children are being identified only when critically ill, frequently presenting with hypoglycaemia, hypothermia or sepsis.
- Expanded measures include community health worker home visits, MUAC screening at Early Childhood Development centres and clinic support with RUTF, micronutrients, vitamin A, deworming and breastfeeding assistance.
- Hospitals are applying WHO’s 10-step management with post‑discharge follow‑up at clinics, while referrals to Social Development connect families to grants and food parcels and public messages stress early recognition and prompt care.