By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla expressed concern over the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on South Africa’s healthcare system.
Phaahla detailed the government’s strategy to address the rising prevalence of NCDs, often referred to as lifestyle diseases.
A recent Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) report highlights hypertension, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer as leading causes of death in the country.
The report also warns that the increase in NCDs poses a significant health crisis that demands immediate action.
Phaahla revealed that diabetes was the second leading underlying cause of death in 2020 at 6.6% of all deaths, following Covid-19.
With Covid having faded out, diabetes is the leading cause of death amongst South Africans.
“When you look at the gender-specific aspects, we see that diabetes is the leading cause of death amongst females at 8.2% in the 2020 stats, having increased from 7.7% in 2018,” he said.
The deputy minister expressed alarm at the rising prevalence of diabetes as a leading cause of death, calling it deeply concerning.
He also emphasised that NCDs not only reduce life expectancy but also have a “significant economic impact,” placing a heavy burden on individuals and further straining South Africa’s healthcare system, which was already “under a lot of stress”.
“It’s crucial that we recognise the gravity of the burden of non-communicable diseases which has got interconnected factors as we know the causative factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, also substances especially unhealthy use of alcohol, smoking and social and commercial determinants.”
Phaahla stated that addressing NCDs demanded “a sustained and collective effort,” with a focus on early detection and prevention.
“Our primary focus, where we really try to put as much effort as we can [although] we are not always successful, is in prevention.”
The deputy minister highlighted that the government has launched public health campaigns focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, including educating the public on proper nutrition and other preventive measures.
“We are encouraging South Africans to make healthier choices and it’s important that healthier choices, including healthier diets, are not necessarily always expensive.
“There are ways in which some of this, including even on the dietary side, do not necessarily carry a heavy financial burden.”
He added: “Our focus is not limited to detection of diseases, but also includes health education on risk factors and lifestyle modifications that can prevent the progression of these non-communicable diseases.”
Phaahla announced the deployment of community health workers to boost primary healthcare, focusing on blood pressure and sugar level screenings. He stressed that combating non-communicable diseases requires collective action, and his department is launching education campaigns to highlight disease risks and promote physical activity.
Research has revealed that countries in the Southern African region must take urgent actions to curb the rising tide of non-communicable diseases, which are projected to become the region’s most pressing health issue by 2030.