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
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
World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Observatory South Africa | World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Observatory
International Diabetes Federation (IDF). IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition. 2021. Accessed March 2022
Basu D, Lebethe E, Ohaju E, et al. Unpublised report: Cities for Better Health in Johannesburg. 2016
World Obesity Federation (WOF). Global Atlas of Childhood Obesity. 2019: https://www.worldobesity.org/membersarea/global-atlas-on-childhood-obesity
WHO. Diabetes Country Profile, South Africa. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2016.
