Development Southern Africa – Prioritising the fight against stunting
Stunting affects more than a quarter of South African children under five, leaving them too short for their age and — crucially — with compromised brain development that shapes their ability to learn, earn and thrive. Despite decades of government programmes and social grants, the rates have barely shifted. A new special issue of Development […]
Prioritising the fight against stunting in South Africa
This document summarises what the stunting special issue papers contained in Development Southern Africa contribute to our understanding of stunting and what can be done to address it. It highlights key research gaps — particularly the need for local evidence on the role of in utero alcohol exposure, maternal health, environmental health and gut health […]
MEDIA STATEMENT: New research shows where South Africa’s fight against stunting is falling short and where it must be strengthened
This year, President Cyril Ramaphosa used his State of the Nation Address to pledge government’s commitment to eradicating stunting by 2030, with an emphasis on the first 1 000 days of life and targeted nutritional interventions for pregnant women and low birth weight children. This is a clear signal that stunting has been elevated to […]