Melikhaya Zagagana10 October 2024 | 9:46

Phaahla on drive to get South Africans to make healthier food choices

To combat the growing rate of lifestyle conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, the Department of Health launched the Nutrition Week campaign.

Phaahla on drive to get South Africans to make healthier food choices

FILE: Health Minister Joe Phaahla. Picture: GCIS

CAPE TOWN - Deputy Minister of Health Joe Phaahla is on a campaign to get South Africans to make healthier food choices and he's starting on university campuses.

Phaahla will commemorate Nutrition Week at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town on Thursday to raise awareness.

The campaign emphasises the importance of good nutrition to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that over 4.2 million South Africans are living with diabetes. 

To combat the growing rate of lifestyle conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, the Department of Health launched the nutrition campaign. 
 
Nutrition Week is commemorated from 9 to 15 October.
 
Health officials suggest that adopting healthier habits does not necessarily mean one must buy expensive food.
 
Among the options include vegetables grown in one's backyard.