The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception until their second birthday, is a critical period for maximizing their potential and preventing stunting. In South Africa, where no benefits are available for pregnant women, extending the child support grant to cover the pregnancy period could potentially save the government $720 million over the first 1,000 days of children’s lives. A pilot study in the Western Cape province introduced a digital food voucher for impoverished pregnant women, showing promising results in improving nutrition and reducing financial stress. Providing sufficient support to pregnant women is an investment worth making for a healthier and financially stable future.
FoodForward SA (FFSA), a registered nonprofit organization, has launched the Mother and Child Nutrition Programme in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, to tackle the critical issue of malnutrition in young children. The initiative, in partnership with the Philani Nutrition Centre, focuses on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a period crucial for physical and cognitive development.