The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) and the National Department of Health were recognised for their action to tackle obesity by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force (UNIATF) on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. 

Twelve countries and seven non-state actors who pioneer innovative, multisectoral action on obesity were recognised. 

The 2025 UNIATF Awards were held during the 10th Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Task Force, “Accelerating Action on Obesity Prevention and Management”. 

“Obesity is largely preventable. Yet millions of people around the world face environments that make it easier to gain weight and harder to stay healthy,” said WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control Dr Jeremy Farrar. 

“These champions demonstrate that progress is possible, and their leadership inspires collective action to stop obesity worldwide.” 

DTHF chief scientific officer and NCD Portfolio head, Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, could not attend. Respected HIV and community activist, Yvette Raphael, accepted the award and delivered the acceptance speech on her behalf. 

“We are deeply honoured by this award. Obesity and its complications are a newer focus for the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, but they are fast becoming urgent health issues in South Africa. Just as we learned from HIV, the way forward is equity and community-centred action, making sure that no one is left behind as new tools and treatment for obesity become available,” Chandiwana said. 

She said South Africa faces a health crisis, with two-thirds of women and one-third of men overweight or obese, and childhood obesity rising. Type 2 diabetes has been the leading cause of death for women since 2018, and obesity-related illnesses are straining resources.

Chandiwana said that in recent years, DTHF became a leading voice in South African obesity action, reframing it as a systemic, rights-based issue. They established Mpilo Health Park and their World Obesity Day campaigns reached many South Africans and spurred parliamentary debate on food policy.

Their editorial, “Obesity is South Africa’s New HIV Epidemic”, is cited in provincial strategy documents. Internationally, they participate in the World Obesity Federation’s MAPPS II study, serve on the global obesity management guideline panel, and provide expertise for negotiating voluntary licenses to make GLP-1 medicines affordable in low and middle-income countries, including South Africa.

Chandiwana said South Africa is on the cusp of a new era of equitable, evidence-based obesity care.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said that on behalf of the South African government, they are humbled to be recognised for their work in preventing and managing obesity, a challenge that demands bold, collaborative, and evidence-based action. 

“We accept this award with gratitude and humility, on behalf of the managers and frontline workers, and we reaffirm our commitment to advancing obesity prevention and management, not only for South Africa but as part of our collective global responsibility,” Motsoaledi said. 

“This award is not only an honour for South Africa, it is a recognition of the hard work of our health professionals, researchers, civil society, and communities. It also strengthens our resolve to accelerate progress: investing in stronger data systems, scaling up community health initiatives, and supporting our frontline health workers.” 

Motsoaledi explained that their National Obesity Strategy adopts a comprehensive life-cycle approach. It promotes multi-sectoral collaboration across health, education, sports, trade and industry departments, civil society, and academia.

“South Africa has placed obesity and non-communicable diseases high on our national health agenda. We were the first country in the African region to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, known as the Health Promotion Levy,” Motsoaledi explained. 

“We have integrated obesity prevention into our Adult Primary Care tool, equipping frontline health workers to identify, manage, and refer patients as part of routine care.” 

Motsoaledi said South Africa champions the fight against obesity and NCDs on the global stage, including at the G20. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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