Review of the South African nutrition policy 1994-2002 and targets for 2007: achievements and challenges.

Primary and secondary nutrition interventions are essential in South Africa, a country with mortality rates of 45.2 deaths per 1000 live births and 61 per 1000 for children younger than 5 y and an estimated prevalence of 8.3% for low birth weight. In addition, the National Food Consumption Survey has recently reported that approximately one in five children 1 to 9 y of age in South Africa are stunted (21.6%) and 1 in 10 (10.3%) is underweight for age. The prevalence of stunting was highest in children 1 to 3 y old (25.5%) and lowest in those 7 to 9 y old (13%). In terms of overnutrition, the survey also reported overweight and obesity in 17.1% of the sample at the national level. In this overview, the focus areas of the Integrated Nutrition Program are examined and critically discussed to determine whether targets planned for 2002 were met and how they are envisioned to change by 2007.