Neelam Rahim / neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
09 February 2023 / 16:58 CAT

Photo: Moneyweb

The executive director of Grow Great, health expert Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, has warned that loadshedding poses a danger for children. She says this is because of the risk of the low quality of food being consumed because of the rolling blackouts.

The Grow Great Campaign seeks to galvanise South Africa towards achieving zero stunting by 2030. Using data to mobilise policymakers, stories to inspire the public, communities of practice to support Community Health Workers and mom & baby classes to support parents, the Grow Great campaign seeks to galvanise South Africa towards a future where no child is unjustly denied the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Dr Edzani Mphaphuli said load shedding impacted the country long-term and resulted in low nutrition and chronic disease. Children are not growing properly because of the poor quality of food they have to eat.

Dr Mphapuli suggests that using fire and paraffin in an enclosed home with increased pollution contributes to children’s health, impacting their nutritional status.

Listen to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Dr Edzani Mphaphuli on Radio Islam’s podcast.