Studies on increases in growth rate of South African Black schoolchildren and their significance to health.

Heights and weights of Black schoolchildren aged 8-14 years, at five rural and two urban centres, have been compared with data secured at these places 12-38 years ago. Significant increases have occurred, although heights and weights in general remain lower than international reference standards. In the mass, pupils have normal weight for height. Evidence suggests that Black schoolchildren experience a high level of everyday good health. This must be validated. Research is required to determine the precise degrees of morbidity and mortality prevailing in slower compared with faster growing pupils.