South Africa’s healthcare landscape is at a critical juncture. The burden of disease – primarily driven by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders – has escalated alarmingly. Over the past two years, NCDs have increased from 51% in 2022 to 55% in 2024, with diabetes rising by 12% and hypertension increasing from 8% to 10%. Not only straining our healthcare system but also substantially hampering economic productivity and growth.
Current state of our nation’s health
It’s estimated that poor-health-related absenteeism costs the South African economy up to R19.1bn annually. Beyond these direct financial implications, this hidden drain stifles business growth, reduces workforce efficiency, and hinders overall economic progress. Lifestyle-related diseases contribute significantly to rising healthcare costs – with an estimated R270bn in healthcare claims projected to be linked to preventable conditions in 2023.
However, we have an opportunity to reverse this trend by embracing preventative care and incentivised wellness – two powerful levers that can help shift South Africa’s healthcare landscape from sick care to proactive disease prevention.
Why prevention is the key to a healthier, wealthier nation
I’ve always believed in the notion that your health is your wealth. Preventative healthcare is no doubt one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden and cost of disease. Simple lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, deeper connections with loved ones, routine screenings to know one’s numbers, and effective stress management, have all been proven to dramatically lower the risk of chronic conditions. Yet, despite these clear benefits, many South Africans struggle to prioritise their health due to financial constraints, limited access to wellness education, and the ever-evolving demands of daily life.
This is where the private healthcare sector, in collaboration with policymakers and employers, can make a significant impact. By incentivising wellness behaviours, we can empower citizens to take control of their health while alleviating the financial burden on our healthcare system.
The power of incentivised wellness
At Momentum Health, we have witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes driven by wellness rewards programmes. By rewarding members for engaging in preventative health activities – such as completing health screenings, maintaining an active lifestyle, or adopting healthier eating habits – we foster sustainable behaviour change through our wellness rewards programme, Momentum Multiply.
When effectively designed, these programmes offer tangible benefits, such as lower healthcare costs through a rewards system, and encourage healthier lives that rely less on medical intervention in the first place. There is sound evidence that a healthier population results in fewer medical claims and lower insurance premiums, benefiting both individuals and employers.
It can also be linked to increased productivity, as healthy bodies host healthy minds. We have seen that employees who proactively manage their health take fewer sick days, leading to enhanced workplace performance and reduced absenteeism. As a result, these factors contribute immensely to stronger economic growth, as a healthier workforce contributes to improved business efficiency and a more resilient economy. However, to fully realise the potential of preventative care and incentivised wellness, we cannot do it alone. It’s pivotal that we adopt a multi-stakeholder approach.
Stronger and healthier together
A collaborative approach where healthcare insurers and providers expand access to preventative screenings, personalised health coaching, and digital health solutions that track and reward healthy habits and behaviour. Where employers adopt and implement workplace wellness programs that encourage employees to prioritise their health through corporate wellness incentives and adequate mental health support.
Where we, the private sector, work alongside government and policymakers to strengthen the current system, build capacity for future skills and implement national awareness campaigns to showcase the importance of preventative care.
As it stands, in 2024 the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) set aside R38.1m in the 2024/25 financial year and R119.7m over the MTEF allocated for health and wellness campaigns, as well as physical activity programmes in prioritised areas such as townships, informal settlement and hostels. More recently, the GDoH announced a budget of R474.6m in 2024/25 and R1.4bn over the MTEF allocated for strengthening mental healthcare services. But even more importantly, we need South Africans to take proactive steps to manage their health by making better choices in their lives.
A shared responsibility for a healthier future
The numbers are clear. If we don’t act now, the cost of preventable diseases will only continue to rise – jeopardising both the sustainability of our healthcare system and economic stability. By harnessing the power of preventative care and incentivised wellness, we can significantly reduce the burden of disease, improve quality of life, and foster a healthier, more productive South Africa.
We remain committed to leading this change by innovating healthcare solutions that empower South Africans to take charge of their health and provide more healthcare to more South Africans for less when they need it. Together, through collective action and a preventative mindset, we can and must make South Africa’s healthcare landscape better – one choice at a time.
