Baby & Child | Western Cape Government

Baby & Child

Child Abuse Treatment

(Service)
The service aims to identify and treat children from birth to 14 years of age who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused and neglected. Children that are suspected of having been abused can be taken to a primary healthcare clinic where they will be diagnosed and counselled. The clinic sister or doctor will give the child a detailed physical examination and will also take a history. It is essential that the abused child be taken to a health facility as soon as possible. The longer the delay, the more likely the child will suffer severe emotional and psychological trauma.

Child Developmental Screening and Growth Monitoring

(Service)
Mothers/caregivers are advised to bring their newborn(s) to primary healthcare clinics for regular check-ups. Health care staff will monitor the child's Development Growth Developmental screening is done routinely, during clinic visits for immunisation. Screening for developmental disability occurs thrice, when the child is:

Exclusive Breastfeeding

(Public Information)
This brochure provides information to mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their babies' lives. The pamphlet also answers some of the tricky questions about breastfeeding.

Fact Sheet on Birth Defects

(Public Information) (File type: pdf; size: 10.22 KB)
Information on what birth defects are, examples of birth defects, what can be done for people who have them and a list of contact numbers where services can be obtained in the country.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Prevention and Treatment

(Service)
Give your baby the best start in life – No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

How substance abuse affects your unborn baby

(Public Information)
Following a healthy lifestyle while pregnant and making informed choices is important for your and your unborn child’s health. Avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco products and ensure that you and your unborn child receive all the nutrients you need to thrive.

Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI)

(Service)
The IMCI aims to improve the management of children at primary care level in order to reduce the number of deaths in children in developing countries.

Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape

(Service)
The occurrence of accidental poisoning is unfortunately common. Many children unintentionally drink or eat poisonous products or medications, often mistaking them for edible foodstuff.

Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT)

(Service)
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV is the most common way young children contract the virus and happens when HIV is passed from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.  An effective Prevention of Mother to Child Transmissions (PMTCT) programme requires mothers and their babies to:

Screening for Developmental Disabilities in Pre-School Children

(Public Information) (File type: pdf; size: 449.02 KB)
Detailed guidelines for health workers on how to screen for developmental disabilities in children aged from zero to six weeks, nine months and 18 months. Information is also given on when to refer to cases up the line.

Tips for Parents Whose Child is Suffering from Diarrhoea

(Public Information) (File type: pdf; size: 262.54 KB)
Reliable information and advice on what steps to take if your child has symptoms of diarrhoea. The causes of diarrhoea are spelt out clearly to help parents.