The peri-natal mortality rate, very mediocre uptake of childhood immunization, the up-tick in children born from HIV-infected mothers who become HIV infected themselves, the incidence rate of child abuse, and the poor performance of children in formal education settings, were but a few of the indicators that we needed to join hands with other organisations in the Bitou sub-district, to give the children the best possible opportunity to thrive in life.

The PlettAid Foundation, through its longstanding relationships with the Departments of Health and Social Development, is uniquely placed to consolidate the holistic support given to children under the age of 3 years old, by the civil society organisations as well as public health and welfare institutions, operating in this sphere. The Plett Wellness Programme works to:

• Support of moms-to-be during the pre-natal phase
• Support moms with newborn care, including breastfeeding support and developmental milestone screening.
• Increase the uptake of childhood immunizations
• Improve parental mental health through targeted screening and linkage to care
• Improve access to adequate nutrition, important micro-nutrients and information on good nutrition strategies
• Improve access to family planning
• Support parents with early childhood education strategies
• Improve child safety