LIFESTYLE NEWS - While there has been progress in improving child survival rates globally, thousands of children still face health challenges that are preventable.
From malnutrition and infectious diseases to limited access to basic healthcare services, underprivileged areas are mostly hit hardest.
Prioritising early childhood healthcare is one of the most effective ways to drive change. Equally important is supporting mothers and caregivers, who serve as a child’s first and most consistent source of wellbeing.
By strengthening healthcare systems for both children and their caregivers, we can give every child the chance to grow up healthy and thrive.
Why preventative care matters
Preventative healthcare is emerging as one of the most effective yet underutilised tools in protecting children’s lives and futures.
“Preventative care goes beyond visiting the doctor when your child is unwell,” says Dr Nandipa Mafongosi, Paediatrician and Medical Advisor at Bestmed Medical Scheme. “It’s about staying one step ahead of illness.”
Routine immunisations, developmental screenings, regular wellness check-ups and nutritional support form the backbone of a proactive healthcare system for children. Developmental screenings and wellness check-ups, in particular, are critical for identifying sensory or developmental issues that can hinder learning and growth, often before symptoms are visible.
“Parents shouldn’t underestimate the importance of these routine visits, even if your child appears perfectly healthy,” Dr Mafongosi adds. “By acting early, we can prevent the most common causes of child mortality including pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, which still claim the lives of millions of children under five years.”
The importance of developmental screenings
Developmental screenings can be used to help identify whether a child is reaching age-appropriate milestones in areas such as height, weight, speech, movement, and emotional and social behaviour.
“90% of a child’s brain develops by age five. This is also the stage when early identification of developmental delays or concerns can make the biggest difference. Intervening early can improve outcomes dramatically, especially for conditions such as hearing impairment, autism disorder and speech delays.”
Register the birth of your little one
In 2023, 932 138 births were registered in the country, but 9% of these were late registrations from previous years. This delay can have serious consequences, particularly for access to early healthcare. In a country where fewer than 16% of people have medical aid and most rely on overstretched public services, timely registration is more than a legal formality - it’s a critical step in securing a child’s health.
“For parents with medical aid, it’s crucial to register your newborn as a dependant as soon as possible – ideally within 30 days of birth,” adds Dr Mafongosi.
“This ensures your baby has immediate access to healthcare benefits, including newborn screenings, vaccinations, and cover for any emergency care - all of which are vital in those first few weeks of life.”
“As parents and caregivers, we want to give our children the best start in life. That means being proactive about their health from day one. With preventative care and the right medical cover, you are not just protecting them now, but also setting the stage for a healthier, happier future,” Dr Mafongosi concludes.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
