The National Department of Health has announced that it has joined forces with AstraZeneca. Through its Phakamisa programme, the duo will strive to intensify community-based screening aimed at preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa.
This campaign aims to strengthen referrals to care and treatment, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including those in remote areas and historically marginalised communities, receive culturally appropriate healthcare services.
Non-communicable diseasespose a significant health burden across the globe, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates. NCDs also include:
- cardiovasular diseases
- diabetes
- cancer, and
- respiritory diseases.
In South Africa, deaths related to NCDs increased by 58.7% over 20 years, from 103 428 in 1997 to 16 205 in 2018. Addressing these diseases requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, early detection and comprehensive management, says the National Department of Health.
The Deputy Minister of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has now called on South Africans to be cognisant of what he has coined the five-by-five causative conditions of NCDs:
- smoking
- alcohol use
- poor diet
- lack of exercise, and
- air pollution.
These all contribute to conditions, such as:
- cardiovascular diseases
- chronic respiratory diseases
- cancers
- diabetes mellitus, and
- mental health issues.
Dhlomo says, “The initiative to intensify community-based screening for non-communicable diseases demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing health challenges at the grassroots level.”
“The partnership will enable us to leverage community-based resources and focus on early detection. It has the potential to significantly impact health outcomes and improve access to quality care for all South Africans. I commend the commitment of AstraZeneca to promoting preventive healthcare and enhancing the well-being of our communities,” Dhlomo adds.
The National Department of Health says, “The partnership represents a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to address complex healthcare challenges. By combining their strengths and resources, the partners aim to create sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities.”
Deepak Arora, country president of African Cluster at AstraZeneca, says, “We are deeply committed to making a lasting and meaningful impact on community health outcomes. The collaboration with the National Department of Health reinforces our dedication to addressing the formidable challenges posed by non-communicable diseases.”
“Through this partnership, we aim to improve early detection and management outcomes and also ensure that every individual has access to quality care. This exemplifies our belief in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive positive change and enhance the well-being of all individuals and communities we serve,” concludes Arora.
The initial phase of the community-based response will prioritise screening for hypertension and diabetes, in line with the Integrated People Centred Health Service approach, according to the National Department of Health.
As part of the collaboration, AstraZeneca will provide support and resources to:
- enhance the capacity of community health workers
- strengthen referral systems, and
- facilitate access to essential healthcare services.
For more information, visit www.health.gov.za. You can also follow the National Department of Health on Facebook or on X.
*Image courtesy of contributor
National Department of Health National Department of Health South Africa AstraZeneca Community based screening for non-communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases NDCs Preventing NCDs Screening NCDs NCDs screening initiatives NCDs screening in South Africa Phakamisa programme Healthcare Healthcare initiatives Healthcare in South Africa
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