South Africa Honoured by WHO and UNIATF for Pioneering Efforts in Tackling Obesity Crisis
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and the National Department of Health have been recognised by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases for their bold steps to address obesity.
This honour comes as part of the 2025 UNIATF Awards, which spotlighted 12 countries and seven non-state actors leading innovative, multi-sectoral actions to curb the growing health threat. The awards were presented during the 10th Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Task Force, themed “Accelerating Action on Obesity Prevention and Management”, held on 26 September 2025. As obesity rates climb in South Africa—with two-thirds of women and one-third of men affected, and childhood cases on the rise—this nod highlights urgent work to prevent a crisis that now rivals HIV in its impact.
The recognition underscores how collaborative efforts between government, researchers, and communities can turn the tide on preventable illnesses that strain hospitals and hit families hard. With type 2 diabetes topping death causes for women since 2018, leaders stress that simple changes in policy and awareness can save lives and ease budget pressures. This article looks at the award details, the winners’ key work, expert views on the obesity challenge, national strategies in play, and steps ahead for healthier communities.
The UNIATF Awards: Celebrating Global Champions Against Obesity
The 2025 UNIATF Awards honoured those at the forefront of battling obesity, a condition WHO calls largely preventable yet fuelled by environments that make healthy choices tough. “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.”
South Africa’s National Department of Health stood out among ministries or government agencies for its comprehensive strategies, while the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation shone as a non-governmental player driving community-focused change. Other winners included countries like Brazil for sugar taxes and NGOs worldwide for innovative campaigns. The event brought together global leaders to share wins and push for faster action, as obesity links to heart disease, diabetes, and other killers that claim millions yearly.
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation: Leading with Equity and Innovation
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation earned praise for reframing obesity as a systemic, rights-based issue rather than just personal choice. Chief scientific officer and NCD Portfolio head Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, who could not attend the ceremony, had her award accepted by HIV and community activist Yvette Raphael. In her statement, Chandiwana said: “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.”
The foundation has built Mpilo Health Park as a hub for wellness, run World Obesity Day campaigns that reached thousands and sparked parliamentary talks on food policy, and published the influential editorial “Obesity is South Africa’s New HIV Epidemic”, now cited in provincial plans. Globally, they contribute to the World Obesity Federation’s MAPPS II study, sit on guideline panels for obesity management, and advocate for affordable GLP-1 medicines in low-income countries like South Africa. Chandiwana warned of the crisis: two-thirds of women and one-third of men are overweight or obese, with childhood rates climbing and diabetes straining resources.
National Department of Health: Policy Drives for Prevention
The National Department of Health was lauded for its life-cycle approach, fostering teamwork across sectors like health, education, sports, trade, and academia. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi accepted the honour humbly: “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 highlighted key wins: South Africa led Africa in taxing sugar-sweetened beverages with the Health Promotion Levy, cutting consumption and funding health drives. They wove obesity prevention into the Adult Primary Care tool, arming frontline workers to spot, manage, and refer cases in routine visits. On the world stage, including at the G20, South Africa pushes for NCD action. “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 added.
Expert Views: Obesity as South Africa’s ‘New HIV Epidemic’
Leaders warn obesity is surging, driven by cheap junk food, urban life, and poor access to healthy options. Chandiwana noted: 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.
Farrar’s global take stresses environments over blame: millions struggle in settings that push weight gain. In South Africa, this means tackling food marketing, promoting active lives, and ensuring equitable care. The foundation’s shift from HIV to obesity draws lessons in community action and access, treating it as a rights issue to avoid leaving poor areas behind.
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