Make the first 1000 days count

PROBLEM: Teenage pregnancy is common in South Africa (prevalence of 47 births per 1000 girls aged 15-19 per annum) and has an unacceptably high mortality (institutional maternal mortality rate [iMMR] of 97.7 deaths per 100 000 live births among teenagers in 2011-2013). 

SOLUTION: It is clear from results, that the lack of knowledge about risks etc. relating to pregnancy and the first 1000 days forms part of the problem and through offering related and applicable sources of information will directly address the problem.

OUTPUT: Decrease in teenage and unwanted pregnancies in South Africa, as well as a decrease in maternal and neonatal mortality (supporting the SDGs).

Teenage pregnancy is common in South Africa (prevalence of 47 births per 1 000 girls aged 15–19 per annum) and has an unacceptably high mortality (institutional maternal mortality rate [iMMR] of 97.7 deaths per 100 000 live births among teenagers in 2011–2013). Determinants of the leading causes of maternal death include antenatal clinic attendance, adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, treatment for tuberculosis (TB), management of pre-eclampsia, and time of identification and referral of high-risk pregnancies to secondary and tertiary health centers. Interventions are needed in the health, education and social development sectors in order to lower the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in South Africa, and to provide better prenatal care for teenagers who are pregnant in order to reduce their mortality. The current rate in South Africa for infant mortality is 23.6 deaths per 1000 live births, with deaths under age 5 is currently at 30.7 deaths per 1000 live births.

The most recent findings showed that more than half of female respondents (74.1%) fell pregnant due to lack of knowledge, and 55% of respondents got pregnant because they did not understand the risks involved. 

The lack of knowledge is one of the major reasons.

The youth of today grew up with social media and information technology. Knowledge and information about relevant issues to unwanted pregnancies and the importance of the first 1000 days will be shared with teenagers, adolescents and young adults. All health care workers will also be informed. Several media and social media platforms will be used to disseminate the messages, information and issues. Awareness programmes, training workshops and online facilities will be put into action to support the actionplans.

YouTube videos, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook will all be used to reach the youth of the Free State province, and would eventually rippled over to all other provinces in South Africa.

Newspapers, local magazines and radio stations will also be used to disseminating the messages.

WHY is the first 1000 days so important?

A vital and productive society with a prosperous and sustainable future is built on a foundation of healthy child development. Health in the earliest days lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being. This also provides for the construction of sturdy brain architecture, a broad range of abilities and learning capacities. The science is clear about what a young brain needs to make these fundamental connections:

·         Stimulation and learning from the earliest possible moment.

·         Nutrition for the expectant mother and baby.

·         Protection from violence and trauma.

· Early diagnoses of chronic, life-threatening illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders.

It is the opportunity of the first 1000 days which will contribute to a healthy nation and enabling all people to reach their optimal potential.