On World Diabetes Day, observed on Saturday, November 14, hundreds of Johannesburg residents received free health screenings as part of an awareness campaign aimed at strengthening South Africa’s fight against the disease.

Health professionals used the initiative to raise awareness of diabetes among local residents, a potentially life-threatening condition affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

"In South Africa, the number one killer (disease) used to be HIV. It has now changed, and the number one killer is diabetes. All the figures are showing that," said Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.

According to the latest mortality statistics from Statistics South Africa, diabetes was among the leading underlying causes of death in the country in 2024, accounting for more than 28,700 deaths.

The Johannesburg screening campaign also encouraged residents to take a proactive approach to their health by undergoing regular medical check-ups.

"Diabetes is a problem because you can't tell when you have it. You only start seeing it when your life is changing," said local resident Honey Mchunu.

"That’s why it's important to eat healthy and watch what we eat. Sometimes it runs in the family; others say they got it because of how they eat."

The World Health Organization (WHO) says diabetes can be managed through a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity and medication. Complications can also be prevented or delayed through regular screening and timely treatment.

However, campaigners warn that raising awareness alone is not enough. They stress that sustained education and improved access to healthcare services are essential, particularly in underserved communities.

"Because of gaps in the health system, there’s almost no education delivered to people," said Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, chairperson of the Diabetes Alliance.

"People with diabetes are disempowered. We need to go back to the basics: empower them with information and ensure medications are available," he added.