News | Public Health | Non-communicable Diseases
Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla outlines response to tackle the burden of NCDs in South Africa
Time to read: 01: 57 mins
Time to listen: 03:43
Published on MedED: 19 September 2024
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0046
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Public Health, Non-Communicable Diseases
Keywords: non-communicable diseases, NCDs, diabetes, cardiovascular, Government, Ministry of Health
Top
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0046
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Public Health, Non-Communicable Diseases
Keywords: non-communicable diseases, NCDs, diabetes, cardiovascular, Government, Ministry of Health
Top
17 September 2024, 22:00
On September 16, 2024, Deputy Minister of Health Joe Phaala addressed representatives at the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), outlining the government's strategy to combat the growing issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
HeLTI is a collaborative effort involving national research funding agencies from Canada, China, India, South Africa, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its goal is to establish linked international intervention cohorts to prevent obesity and related risk factors in children while enhancing early childhood development.
NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancers, represent a significant global health challenge and are among the leading causes of death in South Africa. In its 2023 report, Statistics South Africa highlighted the urgent need to address rising NCDs, which threaten to become a health crisis. Diabetes, for instance, was the second leading cause of death in 2020, following COVID-19, recording a 36.5% increase from 9,692 deaths in 2008 to 26,880 in 2018. Deaths from cardiovascular disease also increased alarmingly, accounting for 17.6% of all recorded deaths in 2021.
In his address, the Minister re-iterated that the Department of Health has prioritized NCDs in its strategy, adopting a comprehensive approach that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and effective management. Among other initiatives, he highlighted that community-based screening campaigns are being conducted through trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs), targeting hypertension and diabetes in underserved areas. Campaigns have already taken place in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Free State, with plans to expand to four more provinces by the end of the financial year.
Primary health care (PHC) facilities nationwide are being strengthened to manage chronic conditions effectively. The department has also improved the supply chain for essential NCD medications, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Additionally, regulations such as the sugar-sweetened beverages tax and sodium reduction initiatives aim to mitigate dietary risks associated with NCDs.
The fight against NCDs requires collective action from all sectors of society, not just government. Strengthening prevention, improving access to care, and focusing on children's health will be crucial in reducing the NCD burden in South Africa. Collaboration will be key to successfully managing this crisis. The government is committed to engaging with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and civil society, to address the broader determinants of NCDs, such as poverty and lack of access to adequate nutrition.
Access the Government Press Releases
16 September 2024 | gov.za | Speaking Notes by Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla on the Department’s Response to tackle the burden of NCDs in South Africa during the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative - SAMRC Pretoria
15 September 2024 | DoH | Media Advisory Deputy Minister Phaahla to outline departments plans to tackle the burden of NCDs in SA (PDF)
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