Non-communicable diseases becoming public health crisis in SA

First Take SA

Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer are increasingly becoming a public health crisis in South Africa. Diabetes, particularly Type 2, is the leading cause of death, making up over 90% of all diabetes cases. According to Percept, a Cape Town-based consulting firm, nearly 5.6 million South Africans were living with diabetes in 2019, with projections indicating this number could rise to 8.75 million by 2040. The primary driver of diabetes is obesity, which stems from poor lifestyle choices, with almost half of the adult population being overweight or obese. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) programme manager Dr Petronell Kruger