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Gauteng Health MEC Pledges to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases
Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has made a strong commitment to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and reduce premature deaths in the province. Partnering with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the City of Ekurhuleni, Nordisk, and Promed Technologies, Nkomo-Ralehoko aims to tackle the epidemic of NCDs in Gauteng as reported by IOL.
The province currently has a high prevalence of hypertension (40%) and diabetes (11%), which are major contributors to premature deaths. Globally, NCDs cause millions of deaths each year, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the leading causes of NCD-related deaths, according to the WHO.
The MEC made this bold commitment during the launch of the provincial strategic plan on the prevention and control of NCDs, including heart attacks, strokes, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. The launch event took place at the Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa.
Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving positive results. The pledge signifies the unwavering commitment to combat the rising prevalence of NCDs and improve the overall health and well-being of the population. The strategic plan outlines priorities, strategies, and actions required to effectively prevent, control, and manage NCDs.
The MEC aims to decrease the prevalence of NCDs between 2022 and 2027, promoting health and wellness while ensuring integrated and people-centred health services for individuals living with NCDs. The initiative also seeks to strengthen national capacity for research and development in NCD prevention.
Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company, has pledged to deliver medicines for treating NCDs, and there is a focus on accelerating the provision of treatment globally to combat NCDs effectively. The ultimate goal is to prevent these diseases, as many of them are preventable.
Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the need to shift the dialogue around NCDs, as millions of lives are lost annually. The commitment to driving change and preventing NCDs goes beyond the call of duty, with a determination to make a significant impact and save lives.
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Gauteng Health infrastructure in jeopardy as MEC slashes R300M budget – what happens next?
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Photo: Facebook / @Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko
