TO: ALL MEDIA
DATE: 13 MARCH 2012
EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Alert: ‘Whatever the father of disease is, ill diet is the mother - MEC Dhlomo

Today; the people of uMbumbulu are receiving tractors from the provincial government to boast the government programme to promote gardening in households - One Home, One Garden.

MEC Dhlomo, who approached the Department of Agriculture on behalf of the community said; “Whatever the father of the disease is, ill diet is the mother. Food supply is the mainstay of health as differences in nutritional intake always translate to differences in health status.”

The MECs for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, a local resident and who represents the community of uMbumbulu at the Provincial legislature, and MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Dr BM Radebe are in the area to unveil agricultural projects aimed at addressing food insecurity in the area.

These projects include community gardens, distribution of seeds, piggery and (24) tractors. Food insecurity and poverty are realities in rural and peri-urban areas of Kwazulu-Natal. Government explains that while the country is nationally food secure, but available data suggests that between 58.5 and 73 percent of South African households experience food insecurity and 15.9 per cent consume less than the adequate energy requirements. About 24 to 28 percent of children under nine years of age are affected by stunting and whilst 3.7 percent experience wasting respectively. 83 percent of African households in rural live below the national poverty line.

In this light, MEC Radebe mentions that crop production could be the best vehicle to reduce rural food insecurity and poverty. “Poor people run out of money for food because the grocery budget is flexible, unlike fixed payments such as rent and power bills. Many factors can tip a vulnerable individual or family into hunger. These include increases in rent and energy costs, another mouth to feed, job loss, and health problems.”

MEC Radebe added that in other communities these projects are run and managed along political party lines. “In one area people were asked to pay R400 to get access to tractors, for an example. We urge the local traditional leadership to work closely with us in ensuring that everyone benefits.”

People who are food insecure are more likely than food secure people to report that their health is poor or fair. They are also more likely to have multiple chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and food allergies.”

MEC Dhlomo added that food insecurity may also affect the management of chronic diseases that require diet changes. “For example, studies have shown that adults in food insecure households with diabetes had more doctor visits than diabetics in food secure households.”

ENDS

ISSUED BY:
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: KWAZULU-NATAL
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
CHRIS MAXON
083 447 2869

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