MEC for Gauteng Health Department Qedani Mahlangu divulged that about 118 babies were abandoned in 2015 in various facilities across the province.
The number of abandoned babies for this year is about 116 thus far.
In her press release, Mahlangu explained that the reasons for abandoned babies in hospitals are mainly based on socio-economic conditions such as poverty, unplanned and teenage pregnancy.
Some other reasons include substance and alcohol abuse, preference for certain gender, and children born with physical disabilities, among others.
“The department has embarked on the following steps to turn the tide against child abandonment:
- Promotion of pamphlets with full information of stakeholders and organization that can assist in unplanned pregnancy/babies; in prenatal, labour, post-natal, premature, termination of pregnancy units.
- Ongoing educational talks in the relevant units;
- Planning for annual outreach program during pregnancy week to make the community aware of different option to address unplanned pregnancy such as Contraception legal, termination of pregnancy, adoption, and foster care;
- Conducting support groups for the mothers with premature babies, special needs and poor prognosis;
- Tracing of families and reporting to South African Police Services; and
- Provide maternity packs (nappies, wipes, baby clothes, blankets, sanitary pads, baby oil soap etc) for mothers and their children.
“We should preserve the life of a child and take the necessary precautions to avoid stats from increasing,” said Mahlangu.
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