Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has sounded the alarm on the escalating threat of diabetes, urging comprehensive efforts to enhance the health and well-being of the populace.
Speaking at the World Diabetes Summit, Ralehoko extended gratitude to the Diabetes Alliance and the University of Pretoria Diabetes Research Centre for organising the summit. She acknowledged the distinguished participants, including diabetes advocates, policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals with diabetes.
The MEC underscored the pressing need to prioritise the prevention, early detection, and management of diabetes, particularly given its rapid rise in South Africa.
Statistics reveal that diabetes prevalence in the country has surged to 11.3%, the highest in Africa, with nearly half of those affected remaining undiagnosed.
Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the peril of life-threatening complications arising when diabetes goes unnoticed or is inadequately treated, such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputations.
Last year, government, introduced the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)-2027, designed to steer efforts in reducing premature mortality while promoting mental health and well-being.
The plan adopts a 5×5 strategy targeting the five major groups of NCDs alongside five shared behavioural risk factors.
The MEC also highlighted the importance of transforming ambitious targets into tangible outcomes that positively impact the lives of individuals living with diabetes.
She emphasised the importance of a person-centred approach guided by the lived experiences of those with diabetes.
The Gauteng Department of Health has undertaken interventions and achieved milestones in addressing diabetes, but challenges persist, necessitating additional interventions.
Collaboration and engagement were highlighted as paramount in achieving targets and enhancing early detection and treatment of NCDs.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko concluded her address by expressing the unwavering commitment of the Gauteng Department of Health to continue collaborating with partners within and outside the healthcare sector to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver quality care to all residents.
