Over 2,7 million children are living below the food poverty line and more children cannot meet their basic nutritional needs in urban areas. This finding is part of a new report on early childhood in South Africa. Further, this study has revealed that more children are more likely to live in poverty, at a higher risk of malnutrition and some lose their lives before turning 5 years old. This compared to the status of children before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study reviews the essential components of early childhood service delivery progress across five domains: Nutrition, Maternal & Child Health, Early Learning, Income & Social Support & Primary Caregivers. The Review includes data and commentary on over 50 carefully selected indicators on the status of children under six. The review is a partnership between government departments, civil society and data experts. 

Guest: Dr. Katherine Hall - Senior Researcher at the Child Institute at the University of Cape Town

Guest: Zaheera Mohamed - Chief Executive Officer of Ilifa Labantwana