Call for action as diabetes now leading cause of natural deaths
The Diabetes Alliance is calling on the South African government to declare diabetes a national public health emergency after data showed it was the leading natural cause of death in 2023. The group cites rising obesity, poor nutrition, and inadequate access to preventive care as primary drivers.
Why it matters
Highlights a significant public health crisis in South Africa, emphasizing the need for policy shifts and resource allocation to combat non-communicable diseases.
Tens of thousands of South Africans are dying annually from diabetes-related illnesses, the Diabetes Alliance has revealed after its review of mortality data released by Stats SA showed that it was the leading underlying natural cause of death in 2023, accounting for 27 692 lives lost, reports TimesLIVE .
Reports on advocacy group claims and government statistics without taking a political stance.
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