HYPERTENSION, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are increasing faster among the South African population than the HIV and Aids pandemic

This was revealed by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for health Sibongiseni Dhlomo when he encouraged people to become active today as they prepare for Move for Health Day.

Move for Health Day is an international event created in 2002 by the World Health Organisation to promote physical activity.

Dhlomo said preliminary results of the KwaZulu-Natal Primary Health Care Disease Profile indicate that out of a total of 10009 PHC patients, the highest number (12,4percent) were found with hypertension, followed by TB (9,9percent), respiratory illnesses (9,4percent), upper respiratory tract illnesses (5,4percent) and HIV and Aids (5,0percent).

He said the national burden of disease estimates in South Africa cites TB, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, hypertension and cancer have as the most common causes of mortality in public hospitals.

These diseases reportedly affect the younger population.

"We have been advised that for every R1 spent in health and active promoting programmes, we save about R100 in healthcare spending in chronic diseases of lifestyle," Dhlomo said.

He said it was important for a community or workplace to host a walk or create a physical activity as part of the celebrations.

"Engaging in physical activity is essential for building strong bodies, healthy minds, self-esteem, social skills, and community values. It can improve family interactions and reduce depression, stress, loneliness, and self-destructive and anti-social behaviour."

Dhlomo urged the private sector to also become a significant player as responsible employers and as advocates for healthy lifestyles.

"All could become partners with government and non-governmental organisations in implementing measures aimed at sending positive and consistent messages to facilitate and enable integrated efforts to encourage healthy eating and physical activity," Dhlomo said.