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More than one-third of people in the world

2.8 billion

Could not afford a healthy diet in 2022

Early Childhood Development

Improvements in stunting, wasting and exclusive breastfeeding lay the groundwork for children to achieve their full potential for growth and development, but rising rates of obesity – exacerbating the double burden of malnutrition – foreshadow major challenges
for the health and well-being of all age groups.

Key Initiatives with Beneficiaries

  • Daily Nutrition Supplements: Providing meals to children between 6 months and 5 years old, daily to support brain and body development.

  • Health Assessments: Conducting periodic measurements of weight, height, and MUAC to monitor the impact of nutrition programs.

  • Deworming and Eye: Bi-annual deworming and annual eye tests to address health issues related to malnutrition and improve overall well-being.

  • Nutritional Education: Implementing programs to educate families on healthy eating habits and nutritional best practices.

  • Immediate Food Relief: Distributing food parcels and running community kitchens to ensure children in vulnerable communities receive nutritious meals.

WHY FOCUS ON CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE

+50%

Of children in South Africa live below the poverty line

27%

% children affected by malnutrition in SA, including stunting & wasting

1.5M

Children affected by
malnutrition in South Africa

+50%

Of childhood deaths in South Africa are attributed to chronic malnutrition

The Global Nutrition Initiative (GNI) collaborates with Headstart Kids, Ekukhanyeni Relief Project, and WeFeedSA to foster early childhood development (ECD) through comprehensive nutrition and educational programs. Malnutrition in early childhood is a critical issue that affects cognitive development, immune function, and overall growth, contributing to long-term health and socioeconomic disadvantages. By partnering with these organizations, GNI ensures that young children receive the essential nutrients, health screenings, and educational support they need during their formative years. This collaboration enables us to address the root causes of malnutrition and support holistic child development, laying a strong foundation for their future. Together with Headstart Kids, GNI focuses on delivering vital micronutrients to children through daily supplements, periodic health assessments, and targeted interventions like deworming and eye tests. With Ekukhanyeni Relief Project, we support community gardens and nutrition programs that provide fresh produce and nutritional education to families, promoting sustainable food security and healthy eating habits from an early age. Through WeFeedSA, we extend our reach by ensuring immediate food relief and nutritional support to children in vulnerable communities, coupled with educational initiatives to teach the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyles. This multi-faceted approach not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also fosters long-term health and developmental benefits for children.

The number of children between 6 & 59 months that GNI has access to in South Africa

  • +- 250 000 Children
  • National Footprint
  • Prioritising vulnerable communities.
  • 8 300 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres
  • Prioritising unregistered centres, not receiving any subsidies
  • Early childhood development centres
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