# Thirty-eight children in Gauteng have died from severe malnutrition in the first three months of 2025, bringing the total number of child deaths since 2024 to 168. Only three of the five provincial food banks are operational. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says late reporting of malnutrition and illnesses related to that worsen outcomes. Food bank manager Emma Msiza says distributing 400–700 parcels daily still fails to meet growing demand.
Gauteng faces alarming child malnutrition crisis despite food banks