This year, Gauteng Department of Health has noted a significant decrease in the number of babies abandoned in its hospitals.
Currently there are only 10 babies in various hospitals waiting to be claimed. Three of them are at Tembisa Hospital while Bertha Gxowa, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child, Pholosong, Carletonville, Tambo Memorial, Odi and Kopanong hospitals have one each.
There are no children currently unaccounted for in hospitals within the Tshwane Health District. Last year there were 16 babies abandoned in hospitals in the Tshwane Health District and 18 the year before.
There is a big difference when compared to the previous years. Last year there were 130 abandoned babies in hospitals throughout the province and 127 the previous year and 88 from January to August this year.
“All children are placed with child welfare organisations after all efforts to trace their parents have failed. Most of the abandoned are born prematurely. In the past HIV transmission was a big factor in the number of abandoned babies but with the success of the prevention of mother to child transmission programme the number of abandoned babies is declining.
About 98% of babies born from HIV positive mothers in the province do not show signs of infection when tested at six weeks,” says Gauteng MEC for Health Hope Papo.
Educational talks and leaflets are provided in prenatal clinics to empower mothers about different options such as voluntary foster care/adoption in cases of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
