South Africa is utilizing experiences from the HIV epidemic to combat its obesity crisis, with over half of adults affected. The government is committed to creating healthier environments and increasing obesity treatment access, influenced by successful past public health campaigns. With support from the WHO, new policies are being implemented to address obesity nationwide, emphasizing community involvement and health advocacy.
South Africa is currently mobilizing efforts to combat obesity through lessons learned from tackling the HIV epidemic two decades ago. With over half of its adult population, including two-thirds of women, classified as overweight or obese, the country is witnessing a concerning rise in obesity prevalence. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), now responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis, have begun to place significant strain on government health expenditure, accounting for 15% of the budget.
The government’s historical engagement in the fight against HIV has provided a foundation for current initiatives aimed at reducing obesity stigma and improving access to health services. Building on this experience, health advocates and policy-makers are focusing on establishing healthier environments and leveraging competence in public health to augment treatment options for obesity, including new medications.
For a robust response to the obesity crisis, evidence-based, multisectoral actions are fundamental. This encompasses creating policies to foster healthy environments and addressing the broader determinants of health necessary for comprehensive obesity care. To aid nations in their efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to launch the Technical Package to Stop Obesity on March 4, coinciding with World Obesity Day 2025.
The South African government has demonstrated dedication to tackling obesity, supported by strong political will. As a leading member of the WHO Acceleration Plan, the nation has emphasized reforms to promote healthier lifestyles and environments. Dr. Jeanette Hunter from the National Department of Health highlighted the importance of not only continuing preventive measures but also scaling up obesity care and ensuring easy access at primary care levels.
Significant initiatives have been implemented to revamp the food system and improve access to healthy food. These include the introduction of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax in 2018, which has led to decreased sugary drink consumption, and regulations on processed food salt content. These measures are integrated within the National School Nutrition Programme to ensure children receive nutritious meals.
The scaling up of obesity chronic care programs across health systems is essential, focusing on increasing access at all levels of care. Professor Francois Venter emphasized the importance of restructuring health services for better accessibility: “The task is now to replan, reorganize and reorient health services and train health-care providers to expand access to all those in need and offer services where people are.”
Health advocates and researchers play a crucial role in crafting a person-centered, rights-based response to obesity. The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation has expanded its research scope beyond HIV to include NCDs and mental health, paralleling the urgent care required for obesity that mirrors the HIV crisis. Dr. Nomathemba Chandiwana remarked, “Obesity is the new South African epidemic, with many parallels to HIV.”
Cross-governmental action is vital in addressing obesity, with collaboration among health, social services, education, and planning sectors crucial for comprehensive strategies. By partnering with academic researchers and leveraging non-governmental organizations, the government can ensure thorough public health initiatives are established to combat obesity effectively. Through united actions, South Africa is set to address the obesity challenge successfully.
In conclusion, South Africa’s strategic shift toward addressing obesity reflects valuable lessons learned from the HIV epidemic. With a focus on forming healthier environments, scaling up care, and fostering multisectoral collaborations, the country aims to combat the rising obesity crisis effectively. The determined governmental and civil society efforts, alongside evidence-based policies, signal a comprehensive approach to enhancing public health outcomes in South Africa.
Original Source: www.who.int
