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The South African
5 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Not enough breastfeeding for South Africa's babies
We often hear that breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies from birth. South African mothers, however have not been breastfeeding their babies enough. As South Africa observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week until 7 August, the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition (PBSN) together with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) expresses concern that only 20 percent of babies in the country are exclusively breastfed. A statement by the HPCSA, shows that South Africa has failed dismally in achieving an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50% by 2025, a global expectation target endorsed by the World Health Assembly. 'There is still a lot that needs to be done in South Africa to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and to meet global targets. Recent data shows that in South Africa, 44% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks in 2021/22, down from 49% in 2019/20,' said the HPCSA. A Human Sciences Research Council Report indicates that only 20% of infants from birth to six months are exclusively breastfed in South Africa to date. Globally, 48% of infants are breastfed, while the expected target for 2025 is 50%. The revised target for breastfeeding by 2030 is 70%. Breastfeeding Awareness Week is an initiative planned by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). This year's theme is: Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. 'A sustainable breastfeeding support system is an all-of-society approach that ensures every mother has the support, environment and resources to breastfeed successfully, from the first two years of a child's life and beyond,' said WABA in a statement. According to John Hopkins Medicine, breast milk is best because: It has healthy nutrients compared to formula which are easier to absorb and digest. It contains nutrients that aid successful brain growth and nervous system development, making them fare better in intelligence tests later in life. The fat in breastmilk develops better eyesight in babies. Breastmilk consumption combats infections. Breastfed infants do not succumb to digestive, lung and ear infections. Premature babies who are breastfed are not susceptible to intestine related infections. Babies who are prone to infection while being breastfed experience less severe symptoms. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Rise in foodborne illnesses in Cape Town
The City's Microbiology Laboratory tests thousands of samples annually to ensure that the food Capetonians eat, is safe. Image: Supplied THE City has seen a steady rise in reported foodborne illnesses over the last three years, with analysis from recent food samples showing non-compliant food safety standards of around 15%. In just a 10-month period since July 2024, the City's laboratory received 4853 samples from Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from a range of food handlers, which were subjected to 17 759 analyses. The results revealed an overall compliance rate of just over 80%, raising concerns about food safety standards. Last year, a spike in foodborne illness cases claimed the lives of 22 people, including children and resulted in nearly 900 reported incidents over just a few months. The severity of the situation prompted the National Disaster Management Centre to classify it as a national disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002. With World Food Safety Day observed at the weekend, under the theme 'Food Safety is Everyone's Business', officials said foodborne diseases are a growing public health concern. The Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition, of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) noted that in South Africa, between October 2023 and February 2024, 1 399 cases of foodborne illness were reported. However, they said only severe outbreaks are typically reported, suggesting the real numbers are likely higher. According to the City, from July 2022 to April 2025, they saw a steady increase in foodborne illness in Cape Town. City Health's Food Microbiological Laboratory and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) do bacterial sampling of food sold across the metropole. 'Tests are conducted generally on ready to eat products, dairy products and even sushi and baked goods - the laboratory also conducts testing of samples in cases of foodborne illnesses. EHPs collect samples from a range of food handling, production and processing environments, from manufacturers to retailers and takeaways, premises like ECDs and old age homes, and even informal traders and spaza shops. 'This testing is essential for identifying unhygienic conditions, poor food handling practices and possible contamination to prevent potential outbreaks. Over a 10-month period since July 2024, the laboratory received 4 853 samples that were subjected to 17 759 analyses. The sample results yielded an overall compliance rate of 84,55%,' the City said. The Food Microbiological Laboratory provides the scientific evidence necessary to uphold food safety standards, support public health policies, and enable safe food trade and consumption. Image: Supplied Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham said the increase could be explained by the easing of Covid-19 restrictions which saw the return to normal food handling, dining, and social behaviours. 'This may have led to increased exposure to foodborne pathogens and a rebound in reported cases. The increase in notifications, especially in 2024, may also reflect better detection, reporting, and surveillance systems as public health operations normalised post-pandemic, contributing to improved surveillance and reporting. However, as the underreporting of foodborne illness in South Africa is known to be extensive, the actual incidence is likely to be far higher, which reinforces the need for regular testing of foodstuffs in the public domain," said Hingham. The HPCSA explained that foodborne diseases result from consuming contaminated food, either during production, storage, or handling. Contaminants include bacteria, viruses, and environmental pollutants from water, soil, or air.
