Philani

The Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Trust has been addressing maternal, child health and nutrition problems in the informal settlements surrounding Cape Town since 1979. Philani’s mandate is sustainable community health, and, over the years, we have developed programmes to meet the needs of the communities we serve. As an organisation we aim to improve health outcomes by combining our skills and resources with the knowledge and resources that exist in the community.

Our programmes promote family health, focusing on the support of pregnant mothers, care for newborn babies and children as they grow, prevention of child malnutrition, the rehabilitation of underweight children as well as support of people with chronic diseases and those that are bed-ridden. We are committed to limiting the suffering of families infected and affected by HIV and preventing the spread of the virus.

Statistics

  • Our 290 mentor mothers are doing close to 30 000 home visits per month -
  • More than 600 children are enrolled in our Educare classes -
  • 27% of South African children under 2 years of age are stunted -
  • 31% of child deaths in South Africa are due to malnutrition -
  • 35% of pregnant mothers in communities we serve are HIV positive -
  • South Africa has one of the lowest rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the world -
  • Mothers supported by a mentor mother are 3 times more likely to exclusively breastfeed -
What People Say

She’s my everything: mum, sister. I feel like I could cry on her shoulder, every time that I have a problem I go to her and we talk, she has always been there for me. I am this mother now who has this lovely boy, and he is healthy because of her.

Thandeka Nyezi
HIV positive client

You may not be able to measure some of the success of our programme because how do you measure hope? Because what our Mentor Mothers do every day is inspire women in the community to get people to think back and have hope that things will change.

Nokwanele Mbewu
Philani Senior Programme Manager

Unemployment, poverty, poor housing and lack of basic services cause malnutrition and poor health in communities. Women and children are most vulnerable.

Dr Ingrid le Roux
Medical Director

If you get the first 1000 days (including gestation) right your impact over the life course of a child is much easier; you get it wrong and you’re playing catch up.

Professor Mark Tomlinson
University of Stellenbosch

I am well known now and respected in the community. I never say no to any request for help. I am proud when I see how a child grows and a mother regains her hope.

Philani Mentor Mother

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