JOHANNESBURG, Sept 30 (The African Portal) – South Africa has been recognised for its efforts to combat obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), receiving a United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force Award in New York.
The award, presented at the 10th Annual Friends of the Task Force meeting, highlights achievements in preventing and controlling NCDs, mental health conditions and related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, the focus was on organisations tackling obesity.
Accepting the award, South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said: “We are humbled to be recognised for our work in preventing and managing obesity, a challenge that demands bold, collaborative, and evidence-based action.”
He said South Africa’s National Obesity Strategy takes a “comprehensive life-cycle approach”, involving multiple sectors including health, education, sport, trade, civil society and academia.
“Breaking down silos is essential as tackling obesity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he told delegates.
Among the country’s most notable policies is the Health Promotion Levy, a tax on sugary drinks introduced in 2018.
“This bold policy has reduced sugar intake and set an example of regulatory courage for the region and beyond,” Dr Motsoaledi said. South Africa was the first African nation to implement such a measure.
Obesity prevention has also been integrated into routine care through the Adult Primary Care tool, which helps frontline health workers manage and refer patients.
“The Adult Primary Care tool uses algorithms to guide nurse and doctor clinicians to manage conditions that patients commonly present with at the primary health care level,” he explained.
Dr Motsoaledi also pointed to South Africa’s partnerships with initiatives such as Parkrun, which promotes free community-based exercise, including in rural areas.
On the global stage, he said the country had consistently pushed for stronger action against unhealthy diets.
“We have consistently called for stronger international action, including restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, promoting healthier food environments, and safeguarding future generations from preventable diseases,” he said.
Motsoaledi described the award as recognition of the efforts of health workers, researchers, civil society and communities.
“This award strengthens our resolve to accelerate progress – investing in stronger data systems, scaling up community health initiatives, and supporting our frontline health workers,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, he added: “We accept this award with gratitude and humility, and we reaffirm our commitment to advancing obesity prevention and management, not only for South Africa but as part of our collective global responsibility.”
