Poverty and socio-economic disparity are among the greatest obstacles facing South Africans. About 63% of children younger than six live in poverty. The country is also experiencing increasing levels of unemployment. In addition there's a high prevalence of femicide and inter-partner violence which is often associated with excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse.
Harsh socio-environmental factors, especially when they happen in the early years of a child's life, can establish a developmental 'biology of misfortune'. This involves neurobiological and epigenetic processes that go on to steer a person's life towards poor health, unrealised potential and a shorter life.
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