Joined the programme in 2016

Johannesburg became the first city on the African continent to join the Cities for Better Health programme, in 2016. Fast-paced urbanisation over the last two decades has made Johannesburg a vibrant and diverse city, yet it has also fuelled several major challenges, including a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Lack of housing, inner city decay, high unemployment, crime and inadequate health provisions have all combined to create an environment conducive to NCDs such as type 2 diabetes. In 2018, NCDs were the leading cause of mortality in the city, with diabetes as the third leading cause of mortality.1

More than half the South African population is overweight or living with obesity2, and 10.8% of adults in the country live with diabetes.3

Key facts and figures

10.8%

 

of adults in South Africa live with diabetes3

37%

 

of the sample population in Johannesburg are living with obesity4

27.1%

 

of adolescents in South Africa are to estimated to live with obesity in 20305

47.1%

 

of the adult population in South Africa is physically inactive6

Since 2016, the city of Johannesburg and the Cities for Better Health programme have helped mobilise academic partners and experienced, retired nurses to conduct research and map the extent of the diabetes burden as well as its comorbidities, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidaemia in the public health sector.

Most recently, the Cities for Better Health partners conducted new research at six clinics in Johannesburg to investigate the risk factors making people vulnerable to diabetes as part of the Urban Diabetes Risk Assessment. Cities for Better Health in Johannesburg will use the research results to create engaging materials, engage with city officials, and spread awareness about obesity, diabetes and healthy lifestyles via social media.

A youth-driven youth initiative
Since 2017, the Johannesburg Junior City Council, a Cities for Better Health Johannesburg partner, has been running a school-based diabetes education and awareness campaign. The initiative has reached almost 3,000 children and consists of a one-time performance about diabetes. During the presentation, children are given examples of healthy meals and physical activities and are encouraged to share the information with their families and friends. 

"The Cities for Better Health research findings are a key component in the fight against diabetes, as they will largely inform all efforts aimed at decreasing the burden of non-communicable or chronic diseases caused by poor lifestyle choices in the city of Johannesburg."

 Cllr Mpho Phalatse, Executive Mayor in the City of Johannesburg

 

Download Johannesburg case study

1.

World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory data repository. Global health estimates: Leading causes of death. Accessed March, 2022. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates/ghe-leading-causes-of-death

2.

World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Observatory South Africa | World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Observatory

3.

International Diabetes Federation (IDF). IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition. 2021. Accessed March 2022

4.

Basu D, Lebethe E, Ohaju E, et al. Unpublised report: Cities for Better Health in Johannesburg. 2016

5.

World Obesity Federation (WOF). Global Atlas of Childhood Obesity. 2019: https://www.worldobesity.org/membersarea/global-atlas-on-childhood-obesity

6.

WHO. Diabetes Country Profile, South Africa. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2016.