National Nutrition Week: A call to tackle malnutrition in South Africa

Malnutrition remains a significant public health issue in South Africa, affecting various age groups and contributing to a range of health issues including an increased vulnerability to diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).

As the country observes National Nutrition Week 2024 from 9-15 October, the theme “Eat Right for a Better Life!” underscores the important role of nutrition in improving the overall well-being. This annual observance aims to raise awareness about healthy eating practices and to encourage communities to embrace balanced diets.

Nzama Mbalati, CEO at HEALA, highlights that this week serves as an important reminder of the link between healthy eating and good health. It encourages open discussions about the challenges South Africans face in accessing nutritious food and seeks solutions to ensure everyone can achieve a “Better life,” in line with this year’s theme.

However, many South Africans still face socio-economic barriers that make it difficult for them to have access to nutritious food, particularly those living in rural areas and low-income communities. Mbalati notes, “It is not always easy for everyone to eat well due to affordability, resource constraints, lack of nutritional knowledge and the prevalence of unhealthy food options that are misleadingly marketed as “good choices’’. We need to make sure that interventions are in place in South Africa that can specifically target these difficulties so that more people can eat well.’’

The World Health Organization identifies poor nutrition as a significant risk factor for various health issues including TB, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

According to Hayley Cimring, a registered dietician, for individuals with a history of TB, poor nutrition has long-term health consequences that extend beyond the immediate effects of the disease.

“It weakens the immune system, exacerbates lung damage, increases the risk of TB reactivation, and contributes to chronic health conditions like respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues. Addressing nutritional deficiencies and ensuring proper dietary intake is critical in improving long-term health outcomes for TB survivors. This promotes recovery and reduces the risk of recurrent illness and chronic disease,” she explains.

Cimring highlights that essential interventions for people with TB include ensuring access to a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals as well as providing fortified foods or ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) for those with severe malnutrition. Furthermore, she adds that addressing nutritional deficiencies is important for improving long-term health outcomes for TB survivors, promoting recovery, and reducing the risk of recurrent illness and chronic disease.

Mbalati also urged the importance of focusing on whole foods rather than processed products during National Nutrition Week, calling for regulations to limit exposure to unhealthy options and stressed the need to prioritize people’s health over industry profit. “We need to prioritize people’s health over industry profit and have interventions in place that directly target the accessibility of healthy, nutritious food for all,” he asserts.