IN CONVERSATION WITH THAKHANI KHOROMMBI
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Health experts and government officials are calling for a stronger focus on prevention, healthier lifestyle choices and harm reduction as South Africa continues to face a growing burden of chronic diseases.
The call was made at the Wellness Collective Summit, hosted by WomenCan at Pere House on Tuesday. The event brought together more than 250 people to discuss health, wellbeing, prevention and ways of reducing health risks.
Discussions focused on how everyday behaviours, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor lifestyle choices and work-related pressures, can contribute to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and some cancers.
Specialist consultant dietician Mbali Mapholi stressed that while South Africans are becoming more informed about their health, information needs to be translated into practical and sustainable lifestyle changes.
The summit also explored harm reduction and the role of science and research in helping people make informed decisions about health risks, including discussions around smoke-free products.
Former deputy health minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo emphasised the importance of introducing conversations about health and prevention earlier in people’s lives, while Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko said wellness should be viewed as a broader societal issue affecting families, communities and the economy.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing, with speakers arguing that wellness extends beyond physical health.
Overall, the summit called for a shift from treating illness after it develops towards prevention, early intervention, informed decision-making and healthier everyday habits to improve long-term health outcomes in South Africa.
The call was made at the Wellness Collective Summit, hosted by WomenCan at Pere House on Tuesday. The event brought together more than 250 people to discuss health, wellbeing, prevention and ways of reducing health risks.
Discussions focused on how everyday behaviours, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor lifestyle choices and work-related pressures, can contribute to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and some cancers.
Specialist consultant dietician Mbali Mapholi stressed that while South Africans are becoming more informed about their health, information needs to be translated into practical and sustainable lifestyle changes.
The summit also explored harm reduction and the role of science and research in helping people make informed decisions about health risks, including discussions around smoke-free products.
Former deputy health minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo emphasised the importance of introducing conversations about health and prevention earlier in people’s lives, while Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko said wellness should be viewed as a broader societal issue affecting families, communities and the economy.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing, with speakers arguing that wellness extends beyond physical health.
Overall, the summit called for a shift from treating illness after it develops towards prevention, early intervention, informed decision-making and healthier everyday habits to improve long-term health outcomes in South Africa.
