Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko will lead South Africa’s World Diabetes Day.
Faith Mazibuko
South Africa marks World Diabetes Day with call for early action
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko will lead South Africa’s World Diabetes Day commemoration in Tembisa, highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention and access to quality diabetes care.
South Africa will on Friday, 13 November commemorate World Diabetes Day with a renewed call for early action to prevent diabetes-related complications and improve health outcomes.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, together with Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko, will lead the national commemorationat Tshwelopele (Esqongweni) Sports Ground in Tembisa, Gauteng.
The event forms part of global activities aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and promoting prevention, early detection and effective management of the disease.
The event will be held under the global theme “Early Action on Diabetes”, which calls on individuals, communities, healthcare workers and government to prioritise early diagnosis, reduce risk factors and ensure timely treatment and access to quality care.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually on 14 November. This year’s campaign emphasises the importance of acting early to prevent serious complications, improve quality of life and reduce the impact of diabetes on families and the healthcare system.
Diabetes remains a major public health challenge in South Africa and is currently the country’s leading underlying cause of death.
The commemoration will bring together community members, healthcare workers, diabetes organisations and other stakeholders to promote diabetes screening, healthy lifestyles, early testing and continued treatment and care.
Members of the public attending the event will also have an opportunity to access integrated screening services, allowing them to check their health status and receive information on diabetes prevention and management.
The health department is expected to use the commemoration to reinforce the importance of knowing one’s diabetes risk, seeking medical attention early and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices.
The campaign comes as health authorities continue to encourage South Africans to take greater responsibility for their health through regular screening, early diagnosis and adherence to treatment.
