Phaahla warns of emerging non-communicable diseases burden

Deputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has warned that the battle against lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, is far from over in South Africa.

However, with the right interventions and a collective effort from all sectors of society, he is adamant the burden can be reduced.

“The findings of Statistics South Africa [StatsSA] survey that deaths due to major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases in South Africa increased over 20 years, should be a concern for all of us,” said Phaahla.

The deputy minister was speaking at a roundtable discussion on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) held in Tshwane, on Monday.

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Phaahla pointed out that a rapid increase in diabetes, particularly affecting women, is a serious cause for concern.

“When looking at gender-specific causes of death, diabetes mellitus is the leading underlying cause of female deaths at 8.2% which increased from 7.7% in 2018. The rate at which diabetes is growing in our country is concerning.”

During the discussion, Phaahla also used the platform to outline government’s plans of addressing the burden of the emerging non-communicable diseases.

“Non-communicable diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also have a profound economic impact, straining both individuals and our healthcare system.

“We must recognise the gravity of this burden which is deeply interconnected with factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking and social and commercial determinants of health,” he told delegates.