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More mouths, less food, more stunting

DR. ANDREAS OBHOLZER WRITES:

Namibia has been in recession since 2017, no or negative economic growth, due to the effects of drought, and then, the impact of Covid-19 on especially the tourism Industry.

The Russian invasion of the Ukraine, in February 2022, resulted in massive fuel and gas price increases. Bread and sunflower oil has become more expensive. The transport domino effect hits the poor, and inflation shrinks basic food buying power.

About fifty percent of Namibians struggle to keep food on the table.

A child who is not fed well, cannot benefit from schooling. It is stunted physically, mentally and emotionally. A child is a blessing, but also a huge responsibility.

The family and parent partnership must provide food security, clothes, a warm bed, school access, recreation, health, love, security and role models.

If you “make” a child, whose name is Tomorrow, and you cannot provide the above, you are reckless and guilty of child abuse. Don’t blame God or the government.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

A girl under 16 years who becomes pregnant, has technically been raped. Her educational future is sabotaged, and the unplanned, unwanted, unaffordable, neglected child becomes a “glipsie” mistake, handicapped in reaching its full human potential.

Termination of pregnancy should be considered an option, with future contraceptive counselling. Grandparents, an orphanage or adoption are second rate options.

Poverty is dependence. It deprives you of independence (I am able to look after myself and my offspring without social handouts).

The government, through service delivery, must lay the table of equal opportunity in education and health. Vision 2030 is about peace, security and prosperity.

We need attitude!

Yes, we can. Change you can believe in! – Barak Obama

I am the captain of my soul. I am the master of my destiny, God willing. – Nelson Mandela

I am not what happened to me (passive victim), I am who I chose to become (active positive realist). – Carl Jung

A parental partnership is the caretaker with the responsibility of providing a loved, planned child with the environment to reach its full potential. Hand the child the keys to life at 21, with confidence.

I think/care therefore I am.

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Republikein 2024-11-22

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