JOHANNESBURG, Oct.18(Xinhua) -- South African First lady Tshepo Motsepe on Friday called on all stakeholders to join hands to eradicate stunted growth so that health individuals could positively contribute to the economy of the country.
"One in every four children under five years is affected by stunting (in South Africa). We have to make sure that children have access to nutritious food and clean water. Investing in stunting now would result in returns later in live. Stunting affects growth, cognitive development and full potential to life,"she said when delivering the keynote speech at the Grow Great Seminar.
Grow Great is a campaign that aims to confront the hidden challenge of stunting that results from chronic under-nutrition in South Africa.
"We share a common understanding that a stunted child is a manifestation of a stunted family, society and nation. A child in a healthy body is able to fulfill its potential," she said, "We want...those children who have this condition are able to thrive."
She called on government civil society, traditional leaders and faith based organizations to work together to eradicate stunting.
The regional director of Africa Nutritional International Richard Pendame said children with stunted growth are four times likely to die because of poor immunity.
"There is reduced educational outcomes combines with poor health impacting the earning potential. This permeates the cycle of poverty and malnutrition. We need collaboration with all stakeholders, leadership and financing from the corporate world,"Pendame said.
The seminar is being attended by multi-sectoral group of high-level policymakers, academics, activists, business and civil society leaders and social influencers.
