Abstract
In poorly resourced countries children may face multiple health risks
associated with environmental hazards and under-development. It
is estimated that exposure to harmful environmental factors (e.g.
air pollution, poor water quality and harmful chemicals) accounts
for 33% of the global burden of disease, with the highest burden
being borne by children. While accelerated housing and
settlement development over the past two decades has
benefitted hundreds of thousands of young children in South
Africa, large numbers continue to face major environmental
threats to their health, some of which have hitherto been
neglected. Such children are likely to be particularly vulnerable to
the unfolding ramifications of climate change. In this light greater
urgency and momentum is needed to improve living conditions
and other socio-environmental determinants of children’s health
in South Africa and other under-resourced countries. Children
should be a central focus for policy and development as our
global society strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.