South Africa, FBD: more than 20 children die

The South African government has declared a national disaster for the end of 2024 following an outbreak of food-borne disease (FDB) that has resulted in the deaths of over 20 children and the hospitalization of hundreds more. Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases have attributed the outbreak to dangerous pesticides used in agriculture, namely Terbufos and Aldicarb. These chemicals are hazardous to humans and unregulated due to their intended use in rat control. Government measures to combat the phenomenon include registration of food outlets in their municipalities and conducting mass inspections to verify compliance with health regulations and standards. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been challenging to implement, as revealed by research conducted by the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO). The government’s response has been criticised for its failure to address the underlying causes of these problems, such as inadequate infrastructure and public services, which are particularly prevalent in low-income settlements. Waste dumping and burning exacerbate public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations. The GCRO researchers advocate for structural interventions to address these issues, recommending investments in essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation, and waste management facilities.