South Africa is facing a growing diabetes crisis, with women particularly affected, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), Dr Phaahla said diabetes was now the leading cause of death for women in South Africa, accounting for 8.2% of female deaths in 2020, up from 7.7% in 2018.
“The rate at which diabetes is growing in our country is concerning,” he said.
The government is implementing a range of measures to tackle the broader problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These include community-based screening campaigns, partnerships to encourage physical activity, strengthening primary healthcare services, and regulatory interventions such as a tax on sugary drinks.
Dr Phaahla emphasised the economic impact of NCDs, saying they “not only reduce life expectancy but also strain both individuals and our healthcare system”.
He added that lifestyle factors, including unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, were key contributors to the problem.
The deputy minister called for a “collective effort from all sectors of society” to address the growing burden of NCDs in South Africa.
