New HM Appointment

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HEALA URGES NEWLY APPOINTED HEALTH MINISTER, DR ZWELI MKHIZE, TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY AND NCDs IN THE COUNTRY

30 May 2019 – The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) welcomes the appointment of Dr Zweli Mkhize as the National Minister of Health.

We hope that this moment presents an opportunity for renewed energy and commitment, as well as collective accountability to address the obesity and NCDs epidemic which has reached crisis level in South Africa.

It is with great anticipation that the Alliance looks forward to his tenure in the national health department. We believe that through strengthening collaboration with civil society, he will be able to reverse the tide against obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which have a detrimental impact on the quality of lives of South Africans, the healthcare system and economy of the country.

Dr Mkhize should continue the fight against obesity and NCDs as the country cannot afford to ignore the dire impact of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. We look forward to his commitment to placing healthcare on a firm footing for equitable and affordable access for everyone who lives in South Africa and trust that he will instil a culture multi-sectoral approach and response for the scourge of obesity and NCDs.

HEALA is committed to working with the incoming minister and the health department in saving lives and holding the food and beverage industry accountable to the people of South Africa.

HEALA will continue to support the Health Promotion Levy, simply known as the sugary drinks tax, as implemented by National Treasury in April last year to prevent obesity and NCDs. We will also continue to support the health departments to develop and implement progressive health-related policies in general and obesity and NCDs policies in particular.

A statement by the Healthy Living Alliance.
For interviews, please contact:
Thando Lamula
HEALA Communications Coordinator
011 880 0995
thando@heala.org