South Africa is currently facing a significant challenge in the form of childhood obesity, with 13% of children aged 6 to 14 classified as overweight or obese. This troubling statistic was revealed in the Health of the Nation Study, which was presented at a recent summit organized by the Gauteng Department of Health in partnership with Novo Nordisk and the City of Johannesburg to mark World Obesity Day.
The summit, held on 4 March, was themed “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives” and brought together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders. The goal of the event was to discuss strategies for reducing childhood obesity, improving patient care, and fostering collaborative efforts to address this pressing public health issue.
One of the key highlights of the summit was the announcement that South Africa is among six countries worldwide selected for the Cities for Better Health Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (CBH COPI). Led by Novo Nordisk, this initiative aims to develop and implement interventions to prevent childhood obesity, with a particular focus on underprivileged communities.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing a worrying increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and strokes in the region. Major hospitals like Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic, Charlotte Maxeke, and Steve Biko have reported a rise in admissions related to lifestyle-related illnesses, many of which can be linked back to obesity.
In response to these challenges, the Gauteng Health Department has rolled out community outreach programs like “Siza’kuwe” and “Corner-to-Corner” to provide essential healthcare services and information to residents in townships, informal settlements, and hostels. Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the importance of moving beyond simply treating diseases and instead focusing on supporting individuals in leading longer, healthier, and more active lives.
As the summit concluded, Nkomo-Ralehoko called for collaborative efforts to develop policy recommendations, community-driven interventions, and awareness campaigns that can make a real difference in combatting childhood obesity. The event was a critical step towards finding sustainable, long-term solutions to this growing public health crisis.
