Early Childhood Development in South Africa
South Africa's population is just over 49 million and around 18 million of these are children, says the Central Intelligence Agency Factbook website. Children born in South Africa are 10 times more likely to die in childhood and more likely to have HIV/AIDS than those born in a developed country like the United Kingdom. While in a better condition than many in Africa, South Africa's children still face problems. Infant mortality, women's health, nutrition and government policy affect their future well-being.
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Infant Mortality
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One in 20 infants die before their first birthday in South Africa, according to the United Nations Children's Fund. The organization says that infant mortality has increased in recent years "primarily as a result of the country's high prevalence of HIV and AIDS." UNICEF's 2009 State of the World's Children report says the under-five mortality rate in South Africa was 59 per 1,000 live births in 2007.
Women's Health
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Improving health care for pregnant women is fundamental to decreasing rates of infant mortality and boosting the general well-being of young children in South Africa, according to UNICEF. The organization's lobbying led to the first National Strategic Plan (2008 to 2011) on Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Women's Health and Nutrition by the South African government. One of the core requirements of the plan involves making sure pregnant women and children have access to HIV care and treatment.
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Nutrition
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One child in 10 in South Africa is underweight, according to the 2007 National Food Consumption Survey cited on the UNICEF website. UNICEF states that as well as a lack of food, children's diets lack "micro-nutrients such as vitamin A and iodine". In recent years, the South African government has introduced initiatives such as a twice-yearly provision of vitamin A supplements to children, which UNICEF estimates can contribute to the reduction of child mortality by 23 percent.
Poverty
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Three in every five children younger than 17 live in poor households--with an average annual income equivalent to less than $170--mostly in rural areas, according to South African charity The Children's Movement's website. Every fifth child in South Africa suffers from hunger and poor nutrition, it adds. UNICEF's website says the burden of poverty and unemployment in South Africa falls on women and children.
Government Policy
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One of the main policy documents impacting on early childhood development in South Africa--the 1997 Ministry for Social Development's White Paper on Social Welfare--has helped the government target its policies and services at children up to 9 years old, with a particular focus on the birth to 3-year-old age group. The paper also encourages government departments, schools and parents to work more closely together. The South African government passed a Children's Act in 2008, to further strengthen laws in children's favor.
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