What we are reading...

This research article investigates caregivers’ preferences for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) services in South Africa. Using conjoint analysis with 31 caregivers, it identifies key service attributes such as home-language provision, nearby diagnostics, home-based early intervention, integrated support, and lower costs that could improve access, equity, and family-centred EHDI care.

This research article investigates caregivers’ preferences for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) services in South Africa. Using conjoint analysis with 31 caregivers, it identifies key service attributes such as home-language provision, nearby diagnostics, home-based early intervention, integrated support, and lower costs that could improve access, equity, and family-centred EHDI care.

This is a systematic review and meta‑analysis evaluating home visiting programmes designed to support vulnerable families’ children. It synthesises evidence on how these interventions affect children’s mental health, psychosocial well‑being and developmental outcomes, identifying which programme features are most effective in improving early childhood trajectories.

This is a systematic review and meta‑analysis evaluating home visiting programmes designed to support vulnerable families’ children. It synthesises evidence on how these interventions affect children’s mental health, psychosocial well‑being and developmental outcomes, identifying which programme features are most effective in improving early childhood trajectories.

The article highlights cost‑effective protein choices starting from around R5, like Shoprite’s budget liver burgers, lentils, beans, chicken hearts, liver, and tinned fish. Nutritionists recommend bulk buying and using diverse protein sources to balance cost with nutrition and support overall health.

The article highlights cost‑effective protein choices starting from around R5, like Shoprite’s budget liver burgers, lentils, beans, chicken hearts, liver, and tinned fish. Nutritionists recommend bulk buying and using diverse protein sources to balance cost with nutrition and support overall health.

A report by UNICEF Innocenti which explores nine core capacities such as empathizing, observing, listening, and inquiring that are foundational for children’s living, learning, and well-being. It synthesises evidence on how these skills develop and how education systems and broader social policies can nurture them to improve children’s growth and potential worldwide.

A report by UNICEF Innocenti which explores nine core capacities such as empathizing, observing, listening, and inquiring that are foundational for children’s living, learning, and well-being. It synthesises evidence on how these skills develop and how education systems and broader social policies can nurture them to improve children’s growth and potential worldwide.

This study, part of the Safe Passage Study, investigates the relationship between alcohol exposure before and during pregnancy and its potential impact on fetal growth and development. It aims to understand how maternal alcohol consumption at different stages of pregnancy may affect the growth trajectory of the fetus, using ultrasound and birth measurements to provide evidence that can guide public health recommendations and interventions for maternal and child health.

This study, part of the Safe Passage Study, investigates the relationship between alcohol exposure before and during pregnancy and its potential impact on fetal growth and development. It aims to understand how maternal alcohol consumption at different stages of pregnancy may affect the growth trajectory of the fetus, using ultrasound and birth measurements to provide evidence that can guide public health recommendations and interventions for maternal and child health.

This study examines heavy drinking and its risk factors among adults in South Africa using data from the International Alcohol Control (IAC) study. It identifies individual and contextual determinants associated with heavy alcohol consumption — such as drinking environments, socioeconomic conditions, and behavioural patterns — to better inform public health strategies aimed at reducing harmful drinking and its associated harms

This study examines heavy drinking and its risk factors among adults in South Africa using data from the International Alcohol Control (IAC) study. It identifies individual and contextual determinants associated with heavy alcohol consumption — such as drinking environments, socioeconomic conditions, and behavioural patterns — to better inform public health strategies aimed at reducing harmful drinking and its associated harms

A handbook providing practical guidance for policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders on selecting, designing, implementing, evaluating and scaling evidence‑based parenting interventions. It offers step‑by‑step tools, templates and examples to support effective programme delivery across settings, emphasising stakeholder engagement, monitoring and sustainability. The resource bridges research evidence with real‑world practice to strengthen parenting support and improve child development outcomes globally.

A handbook providing practical guidance for policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders on selecting, designing, implementing, evaluating and scaling evidence‑based parenting interventions. It offers step‑by‑step tools, templates and examples to support effective programme delivery across settings, emphasising stakeholder engagement, monitoring and sustainability. The resource bridges research evidence with real‑world practice to strengthen parenting support and improve child development outcomes globally.

This research article explores how caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing experience early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) services in South Africa. The study found that while some aspects of family‑centered care are working, systemic, linguistic and cultural barriers like language mismatches, fragmented services, limited paternal involvement and insufficient respectful engagement undermine equitable, effective EHDI practices and highlight the need for more culturally responsive, coordinated care.

This research article explores how caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing experience early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) services in South Africa. The study found that while some aspects of family‑centered care are working, systemic, linguistic and cultural barriers like language mismatches, fragmented services, limited paternal involvement and insufficient respectful engagement undermine equitable, effective EHDI practices and highlight the need for more culturally responsive, coordinated care.

This narrative study explores caregivers’ experiences accessing Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) services in South Africa, identifying systemic, logistical and financial barriers to timely diagnosis and support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also highlights facilitators such as family support and counselling, emphasising the need for policy reform, expanded screening, financial assistance and public awareness to improve paediatric hearing outcomes.

This narrative study explores caregivers’ experiences accessing Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) services in South Africa, identifying systemic, logistical and financial barriers to timely diagnosis and support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also highlights facilitators such as family support and counselling, emphasising the need for policy reform, expanded screening, financial assistance and public awareness to improve paediatric hearing outcomes.

This study examines how young children’s brains respond to traditional book reading versus digital screen exposure. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), researchers measured brain activity, especially in language and cognitive control regions. The study found stronger activation and connectivity during book reading, suggesting it may better support language development and comprehension compared to passive screen time.

This study examines how young children’s brains respond to traditional book reading versus digital screen exposure. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), researchers measured brain activity, especially in language and cognitive control regions. The study found stronger activation and connectivity during book reading, suggesting it may better support language development and comprehension compared to passive screen time.

This report is part of the Blue Umbrella Day campaign, which focuses on raising global awareness of sexual violence affecting boys an under‑recognised issue. It explores harmful social norms, barriers to reporting and support, and how attitudes toward masculinity can silence boys’ experiences. The report calls for improved data, tailored services, community education, and advocacy to better protect and support boys affected by sexual abuse

This report is part of the Blue Umbrella Day campaign, which focuses on raising global awareness of sexual violence affecting boys an under‑recognised issue. It explores harmful social norms, barriers to reporting and support, and how attitudes toward masculinity can silence boys’ experiences. The report calls for improved data, tailored services, community education, and advocacy to better protect and support boys affected by sexual abuse

The Burns Awareness Guide from Surgeons For Little Lives provides educational materials in multiple languages to help prevent paediatric burn injuries and promote burn safety and first‑aid awareness, supporting broader public education and injury reduction efforts

The Burns Awareness Guide from Surgeons For Little Lives provides educational materials in multiple languages to help prevent paediatric burn injuries and promote burn safety and first‑aid awareness, supporting broader public education and injury reduction efforts

A new neuroimaging study showing how a preschoolers’ brain activates differently during live book reading versus screen‑based storytelling, with book reading engaging social and language‑related brain regions more strongly than screen time, highlighting potential cognitive and developmental benefits of shared reading.

A new neuroimaging study showing how a preschoolers’ brain activates differently during live book reading versus screen‑based storytelling, with book reading engaging social and language‑related brain regions more strongly than screen time, highlighting potential cognitive and developmental benefits of shared reading.

This report shows global under‑five mortality has more than halved since 2000, but progress is slowing. In 2023, an estimated 4.8 million children died before age five, mostly from preventable causes. Persisting inequities mean children in low‑resource and fragile settings face far higher risks, underscoring the urgent need for renewed investment and policy action.

This report shows global under‑five mortality has more than halved since 2000, but progress is slowing. In 2023, an estimated 4.8 million children died before age five, mostly from preventable causes. Persisting inequities mean children in low‑resource and fragile settings face far higher risks, underscoring the urgent need for renewed investment and policy action.

This report presents the latest stillbirth data and evidence from 195 countries. It shows nearly 1.9 million stillbirths in 2023, highlights that many are preventable with quality maternal and childbirth care, reveals major regional disparities, and outlines key interventions to reduce stillbirths and improve counting and bereavement support.

This report presents the latest stillbirth data and evidence from 195 countries. It shows nearly 1.9 million stillbirths in 2023, highlights that many are preventable with quality maternal and childbirth care, reveals major regional disparities, and outlines key interventions to reduce stillbirths and improve counting and bereavement support.

The article discusses why many young adults struggle to form social connections, highlighting research by Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki and his colleague Rui Pei. It explains that young people underestimate others’ warmth, spend more time alone, and are affected by polarized online culture, but taking small social risks can build stronger relationships and improve well‑being.

The article discusses why many young adults struggle to form social connections, highlighting research by Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki and his colleague Rui Pei. It explains that young people underestimate others’ warmth, spend more time alone, and are affected by polarized online culture, but taking small social risks can build stronger relationships and improve well‑being.

The article argues that expanding early access to books and reading opportunities is crucial to addressing South Africa’s literacy crisis, improving education outcomes and unlocking future potential. Enhancing book access through libraries, early reading programs and community initiatives can help transform young lives and the country’s future.

The article argues that expanding early access to books and reading opportunities is crucial to addressing South Africa’s literacy crisis, improving education outcomes and unlocking future potential. Enhancing book access through libraries, early reading programs and community initiatives can help transform young lives and the country’s future.

This report provides practical advice for policymakers and programme designers on how to develop, deliver and scale early childhood parenting interventions. It outlines evidence-based principles, key components, implementation strategies, monitoring tools and contextual considerations to improve child development outcomes through supportive parenting practices and early learning environments.

This report provides practical advice for policymakers and programme designers on how to develop, deliver and scale early childhood parenting interventions. It outlines evidence-based principles, key components, implementation strategies, monitoring tools and contextual considerations to improve child development outcomes through supportive parenting practices and early learning environments.

This study explored factors influencing micronutrient supplementation (MMS) adherence among non‑pregnant women of reproductive age in Johannesburg. Embedded in a preconception MMS trial, researchers interviewed women and community health workers to identify facilitators (family support, health worker interaction, easy access) and barriers (lack of support, stigma, and perceived lack of benefit) affecting MMS use. It highlights the need for tailored counselling, community support, and trained providers to improve adherence.

This study explored factors influencing micronutrient supplementation (MMS) adherence among non‑pregnant women of reproductive age in Johannesburg. Embedded in a preconception MMS trial, researchers interviewed women and community health workers to identify facilitators (family support, health worker interaction, easy access) and barriers (lack of support, stigma, and perceived lack of benefit) affecting MMS use. It highlights the need for tailored counselling, community support, and trained providers to improve adherence.

This is a research article examining how starting South Africa’s Child Support Grant (CSG) during pregnancy could improve maternal and neonatal health. It reviews pregnancy support programmes from 27 countries, identifying design features that enhance uptake, coverage, and health impact. The study argues that extending the CSG prenatally could reduce poverty‑related risks, support early nutrition, and strengthen maternal and child well‑being outcomes.

This is a research article examining how starting South Africa’s Child Support Grant (CSG) during pregnancy could improve maternal and neonatal health. It reviews pregnancy support programmes from 27 countries, identifying design features that enhance uptake, coverage, and health impact. The study argues that extending the CSG prenatally could reduce poverty‑related risks, support early nutrition, and strengthen maternal and child well‑being outcomes.

The article argues that structural inequality leaves pregnant women and their babies vulnerable to poverty, malnutrition, and stunting and that South Africa’s social protection system still excludes pregnant women. It makes a case for a Maternal Support Grant, outlining its social justice, health, and economic benefits, and features expert insights on why supporting expectant mothers is crucial for improved child development and long‑term societal outcomes.

The article argues that structural inequality leaves pregnant women and their babies vulnerable to poverty, malnutrition, and stunting and that South Africa’s social protection system still excludes pregnant women. It makes a case for a Maternal Support Grant, outlining its social justice, health, and economic benefits, and features expert insights on why supporting expectant mothers is crucial for improved child development and long‑term societal outcomes.

This evidence review documents how South Africa’s high levels of alcohol consumption cause widespread harm to children and teens before birth (foetal alcohol spectrum disorders), through unsafe homes, road crashes, violence, depression, risky sex, school dropout and community trauma. It highlights links between binge drinking culture and child/adolescent injury and developmental harm, and calls for evidence‑based actions such as stricter alcohol policies (advertising bans, minimum unit pricing, restricted sales hours), stronger enforcement, community mobilisation, and public health interventions to protect young people.

This evidence review documents how South Africa’s high levels of alcohol consumption cause widespread harm to children and teens before birth (foetal alcohol spectrum disorders), through unsafe homes, road crashes, violence, depression, risky sex, school dropout and community trauma. It highlights links between binge drinking culture and child/adolescent injury and developmental harm, and calls for evidence‑based actions such as stricter alcohol policies (advertising bans, minimum unit pricing, restricted sales hours), stronger enforcement, community mobilisation, and public health interventions to protect young people.

This is a practical synthesis summarising lessons from various caregiver support programmes to help philanthropic funders in South Africa understand what works in supporting caregivers and families. It distils key insights on approaches, outcomes, implementation challenges and effective practices, guiding funder decisions to strengthen caregiver services and impact.

This is a practical synthesis summarising lessons from various caregiver support programmes to help philanthropic funders in South Africa understand what works in supporting caregivers and families. It distils key insights on approaches, outcomes, implementation challenges and effective practices, guiding funder decisions to strengthen caregiver services and impact.

This commentary discusses research priorities for integrating multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) into routine antenatal care. It highlights the need for well-designed studies to compare MMS with standard iron–folic acid supplementation, focusing on critical maternal and birth outcomes, implementation challenges, and equity to inform future policy and guidelines.

This commentary discusses research priorities for integrating multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) into routine antenatal care. It highlights the need for well-designed studies to compare MMS with standard iron–folic acid supplementation, focusing on critical maternal and birth outcomes, implementation challenges, and equity to inform future policy and guidelines.

This study used growth mixture modeling on South African high-school students to identify four distinct adolescent substance-use trajectories (three increasing, one stable). It found that healthy leisure experiences were linked to lower use, suggesting that promoting meaningful leisure could help prevent or reduce adolescent substance use.

This study used growth mixture modeling on South African high-school students to identify four distinct adolescent substance-use trajectories (three increasing, one stable). It found that healthy leisure experiences were linked to lower use, suggesting that promoting meaningful leisure could help prevent or reduce adolescent substance use.

This report shows that over 80% of South African learners cannot read for meaning by Grade 3, and home language proficiency strongly predicts later success in additional languages and grade progression. While teacher reading competencies have improved, maths knowledge lags. Provincial assessments and programmes like the Western Cape’s Back-on-Track show promising effects, but systemic challenges—including budget constraints, unfunded mandates, teacher supply gaps, and weak national planning—continue to limit improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy.

This report shows that over 80% of South African learners cannot read for meaning by Grade 3, and home language proficiency strongly predicts later success in additional languages and grade progression. While teacher reading competencies have improved, maths knowledge lags. Provincial assessments and programmes like the Western Cape’s Back-on-Track show promising effects, but systemic challenges—including budget constraints, unfunded mandates, teacher supply gaps, and weak national planning—continue to limit improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy.

This systematic review examined the age at which congenital or early-onset hearing loss is identified in South Africa. Analysing 10 studies involving 1,501 children, the pooled mean age of diagnosis was 30 months far later than the recommended one month. The findings highlight significant delays in early detection and emphasise the urgent need to strengthen newborn hearing screening, address barriers to early identification, and implement evidence-based interventions to improve paediatric hearing outcomes.

This systematic review examined the age at which congenital or early-onset hearing loss is identified in South Africa. Analysing 10 studies involving 1,501 children, the pooled mean age of diagnosis was 30 months far later than the recommended one month. The findings highlight significant delays in early detection and emphasise the urgent need to strengthen newborn hearing screening, address barriers to early identification, and implement evidence-based interventions to improve paediatric hearing outcomes.

This is a research preprint reporting a South African neuroimaging study showing that children aged 6–7 born to mothers who were anaemic during pregnancy have persistently smaller brain volumes (corpus callosum and caudate nucleus) compared with those whose mothers were not anaemic. It highlights long‑term neurodevelopmental effects of antenatal anaemia.

This is a research preprint reporting a South African neuroimaging study showing that children aged 6–7 born to mothers who were anaemic during pregnancy have persistently smaller brain volumes (corpus callosum and caudate nucleus) compared with those whose mothers were not anaemic. It highlights long‑term neurodevelopmental effects of antenatal anaemia.

This is a study investigating how maternal and child anemia affects early brain development in South African children. Using brain imaging, the researchers found associations between anemia during pregnancy or early childhood and alterations in brain structure, suggesting potential long-term cognitive and neurodevelopmental impacts of early-life iron deficiency.

This is a study investigating how maternal and child anemia affects early brain development in South African children. Using brain imaging, the researchers found associations between anemia during pregnancy or early childhood and alterations in brain structure, suggesting potential long-term cognitive and neurodevelopmental impacts of early-life iron deficiency.

Micronutrients are vital for healthy growth and pregnancy, yet many women in low- and middle-income countries face deficiencies. Daily requirements rise during pregnancy, making prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) essential for preventing deficiencies and promoting healthier maternal and fetal outcomes, now recognized by WHO as essential.

Micronutrients are vital for healthy growth and pregnancy, yet many women in low- and middle-income countries face deficiencies. Daily requirements rise during pregnancy, making prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) essential for preventing deficiencies and promoting healthier maternal and fetal outcomes, now recognized by WHO as essential.