Research shows poorer black South Africans are disproportionately exposed to food-related advertising that promotes the consumption of fatty, unhealthy foods.
The reality is that the move to introduce a sugar tax in South Africa is necessary because of the scourge of non-communicable diseases and obesity in the country.
Cracking genetic responses to the changing environment in Africa would open a new frontier in the drive against rising non-communicable diseases on the continent.
An index developed to gauge progress towards the sustainable development goals and their targets shows that nine of the world’s worst performing countries are in Africa.
Genomic research must take place in Africa because African populations have evolved significantly and their genetic composition is more diverse than that of populations elsewhere.
Non-communicable diseases are skyrocketing in Kenya and Uganda. Though the countries’ governments have a responsibility to tackle the problem, individuals need to take action too.
In countries such as South Africa with a high burden of TB and HIV, vitamin D could be an extremely effective and cheap weapon to include in the arsenal against TB and HIV.
Doctors in South Africa have not been doing enough counselling of people who drink, smoke, don’t exercise and eat badly on ways to change their lifestyles.
Residents in Nairobi’s urban slums are opting for fast food rather than the healthy alternatives, which is increasing their risk of developing diabetes.
Associate Professor in the SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand