South Africa is leveraging lessons learned from its HIV response to address the obesity epidemic, which now impacts over half of the adult population. The government is implementing policies to create healthier environments and scaling up obesity treatment and prevention services. Significant initiatives, including a sugar tax and the National School Nutrition Programme, demonstrate a commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing obesity-related health costs.
South Africa is utilizing experiences from its past efforts against HIV over the last two decades to combat the obesity crisis that now affects over 50% of adults, with two-thirds of women facing this condition. The prevalence of obesity has significantly multiplied in the past twenty years, leading to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) becoming the leading cause of mortality, surpassing HIV and AIDS as well as tuberculosis. The costs associated with obesity are substantial, accounting for 15% of the country’s health spending.
In the early 2000s, South Africa successfully tackled the HIV epidemic, reducing stigma and ensuring access to antiretroviral treatment. This success has informed current strategies to address obesity stigma and enhance access to health services and environments that promote healthier lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO) is launching a Technical Package on March 4 for World Obesity Day 2025 to assist nations in developing effective obesity strategies.
The South African government is committed to combating obesity as a leading country in the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, demonstrating strong political will toward health system reforms and creating healthier environments. Dr. Jeanette Hunter, Deputy Director General Primary Care at the National Department of Health, stated the necessity of scaling up obesity prevention and treatment services, stressing accessibility for communities and primary health care settings.
Significant measures have been implemented to transform the food system and promote accessible healthy eating and physical activity, evident in initiatives like the sugar-sweetened beverage tax introduced in 2018 and the National School Nutrition Programme. Furthermore, obesity chronic care programs must be expanded across health systems, emphasizing community involvement and primary care access, as highlighted by Professor Francois Venter from the University of the Witwatersrand.
South African health advocates and researchers’ voices are integral to creating a comprehensive and rights-based approach to addressing obesity. The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) has broadened its focus to encompass NCDs and mental health, likening obesity to the HIV epidemic. Dr. Nomathemba Chandiwana from DTHF remarked on the importance of sustained advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement in combating obesity, similar to the successful response to HIV.
South Africa is drawing from its past successes in addressing HIV to efficiently tackle the growing obesity crisis. Through comprehensive policies, community involvement, and government leadership, the nation aims to improve access to health services and promote healthier lifestyles. With a multi-sectoral approach and active participation from various stakeholders, South Africa is poised to implement effective strategies to curb obesity and its associated health risks.
Original Source: www.who.int
