nomathemba.raditsela@afrocentrichealth.com

Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, yet they are distinct concepts. Mental health refers to our overall psychological well-being, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and it affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In contrast, mental illness involves diagnosable conditions that impact a person's thinking, emotional state, and behaviour, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In South Africa, the significance of mental illness as a public health issue cannot be overstated. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that one in three South Africans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. However, the stigma surrounding mental illness leads many to hesitate in seeking help, resulting in delayed diagnoses and treatments that exacerbate these conditions. Mental illness is often misunderstood and viewed as something to fear, a problem for someone else if one is not directly affected. Sometimes it can be seen as a sign of weakness or personal failure, with many erroneously believing it is not a real illness or something that individuals can simply "snap out of." This pervasive stigma has far-reaching consequences, making it difficult for those affected to maintain relationships, fully engage in society, and secure employment, often leading to discrimination and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the mental health crisis in South Africa. The widespread stress, anxiety, and depression induced by the pandemic, coupled with disrupted access to mental health services, have highlighted the urgent need for robust mental health interventions. Data from the Medscheme universe, an AfroCentric Group Company, over the last decade reveals a 27% increase in mental health prevalence based on claiming patterns, with depression rates surging …

The landscape of healthcare in South Africa is undergoing a profound transformation. While this transformation is largely focussed on the NHI and its implications we need not neglect everything else that is happening in the healthcare sector such as the state of health of our youth. Perhaps we have been somewhat overwhelmed with election outcomes and what they mean for healthcare in South Africa, but a critical aspect of those outcomes is visions for the future in which the health of today’s youth will be central to success. Amid socioeconomic challenges like a 45.5% unemployment rate among 15–34-year-olds, a widening skills gap, and a perceived bleak economic future, the mental health and well-being of young people is under siege. With all the challenges the youth face, the obstacles may contribute to feelings of despondency and low morale which has a range of psychosocial implications especially for their health. In light of these stats, AfroCentric looked again at what the data is telling us in terms of trends, challenges and opportunities when it comes to the health of our Youth. Within the universe of Medscheme, an AfroCentric Group company, which encompasses a diverse demographic, the Youth account for 25% of the overall scheme population which is member base of about 4million lives under managed care. The youth population at Medscheme, numbering 1,000,455 individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, has an average age of 24 years with a gender split of 44:56 male: female respectively. Understanding the specific needs of different age groups within this population is essential for tailoring appropriate healthcare interventions. For instance, we are witnessing a significant shift in our population due to the growth observed in one of our big schemes. A larger portion of their members are now bringing an average of two children as dependents meaning, if they have 30,000 main members, we can expect to see an additional 70,000 children/youth as …

Loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic among younger generations. While more than 43% of people over the age of 60 reported feeling lonely—usually attributed to living arrangements and a decline in social opportunities—studies have indicated that Gen Z (born between the early 1990s and early 2010s) is the loneliest generation. Loneliness kills. Evidence suggests that loneliness can increase your risk of premature death by 45%, almost as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In South Africa, we have a strong culture of community and strong family bonds, which should insulate us from the risk of loneliness. However, relocation due to urbanization, socioeconomic disparities, crime, and technological dependence can all contribute to how significantly feelings of loneliness can impact your health. The reasons for loneliness in young people are multifaceted and often interlinked. Experiencing more than one of these factors at a time can easily transition an incident from a normal social experience that requires navigation to one that places significant psychological strain on an individual. While Gen Z is the most connected generation in terms of digital technology, online interactions can sometimes replace deeper, meaningful connections, leading to a sense of isolation even in a crowded digital space. Independently, social media use has not been found to be a predictor of loneliness but rather the life balance of digital and in-person interactions. Additionally, the pressure to succeed academically, professionally, and socially can be overwhelming, leading to stress and a feeling of being disconnected from others who seem to be thriving. Constant exposure to curated lives on social media can create unrealistic benchmarks for happiness and success, making young people feel inadequate and alone in their struggles. Delaying social media use in teenagers and guided exposure is essential to safeguard against these negative effects. Young people today are more …

Dr Nkateko Msimeki, General Manager Health Policy and Medical Advisory from AfroCentric writes about the state of TB in South Africa and what we need to do to bring an end to this age-old disease. As we all mark World TB Day, it's not only a time for reflection but also a moment to galvanise action against one of humanity's oldest and deadliest foes: tuberculosis (TB). This year's theme, "Yes! We can end TB!", should resonate deeply as a beacon of hope for us all because this fight is a critical one in South Africa and has been for a long time. Despite significant strides made over the last few decades, TB continues to exert a heavy toll on our society. World TB Day marks the historic occasion in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch stunned the scientific world by revealing his discovery of the cause of tuberculosis: the TB bacillus. In an era when TB ravaged Europe and the Americas, claiming the lives of one in seven individuals, Koch's breakthrough heralded a new era in the fight against the disease. His revelation paved the way for improved methods of diagnosis and treatment, offering hope to millions affected by tuberculosis. While the likes of Europe and North America have made great strides, TB remains a critical challenge in South Africa. According to the latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 54,200 people in South Africa succumbed to TB in 2022, while approximately 280,000 fell ill with the disease. These figures, while indicative of progress in reducing TB incidence, also underscore the urgency of addressing the persistent challenges that hinder efforts to curb TB mortality. South Africa's commitment to reducing TB cases by 80% and TB deaths by 90% by 2030, compared to 2015 levels, is a commendable one. The 53% reduction in TB incidence since 2015 is a testament to the concerted efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates. However, the decline in TB mortality falls short of the milestones outlined …

As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the AfroCentric Group, skin cancer is a medical condition often associated with fair-skinned individuals, but due to our sunny climate, it poses a threat to people of all skin tones in the country. “As an African nation, we need to acknowledge the role of melanin in skin cancer,” says Noble. “Melanin (the pigment responsible for skin colour) does provide a level of protection against overexposure to harmful ultraviolet or UV rays, which are a primary cause of skin cancer.” This is why, Noble says, fair-skinned people are more likely to develop a wider array of skin cancer types than any other group - because they possess less melanin in their skin. According to an American study published in the Journal of Dermatology for Physician Assistants (JDPA) in 2021, there exists a stark contrast in skin cancer rates, with 25.6 in every 100,000 White people developing melanoma from 2013 to 2017, compared to 1 in 100,000 Black people. Noble warns “While melanin levels play a significant role in offering protection against UV damage, we know the prevalence of skin cancer is not solely dependent on skin colour. But more protection adds different levels of risk.” Noble says a crucial aspect of skin cancer treatment (like most cancers) is a timely diagnosis. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, darker-skinned patients are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a late stage than fair skinned patients. According to Dr Bianca Tod, Dermatologist and senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University, the data shows that more melanin may even mean more risk. "In many well-resourced countries, with populations with predominantly light skin colours, melanoma …

Pregnancy is a joyous journey, but it's crucial to look beyond the anticipation of a new arrival and consider the mental health challenges that could come with it. While some new mothers experience what is known as the ‘baby blues’, one in seven women are at risk of developing post-partum depression – a more serious condition. Head of Wellness & Lifestyle Management at the AfroCentric Group, Aimee Wesso-Roberts says the importance of building mental resilience among pregnant women cannot be overstated. "While the joy of pregnancy is often celebrated, the mental health aspect can unravel after the baby arrives," notes Wesso-Roberts. "We are witnessing an increase in mental illness incidence, and we need to protect expectant mothers who are especially vulnerable. This begins with awareness and education.” She says it is crucial to acknowledge that post-partum depression is a condition that requires attention. "Historically, it might have been accepted as a common state, affecting 10-15% of mothers, but increased awareness has revealed a potentially higher prevalence with more severe effects." Baby blues vs post-partum Wesso-Roberts believes the problem is that too many mothers and their families struggle to distinguish between 'baby blues' and post-partum depression. Baby blues, characterised by mild feelings of anxiety or sadness shortly after birth, are common as mothers adjust to changes, heal, and cope with sleep deprivation. In contrast, post-partum depression is more severe and can persist for up to a year, impacting a mother's ability to care for herself and her baby. Recognising and distinguishing between the baby blues and postpartum depression allows for timely and appropriate support, fostering the wellbeing of both the mother and the newborn. “To address these challenges before they even appear, we recommend proactive measures,” advises Wesso-Roberts. “It starts by identifying your family history. Those with a history of …

The AfroCentric Group, a leading player in South Africa’s healthcare sector, proudly attained its status as one of South Africa's Top Employers as designated by the globally recognised Top Employers Institute. The Top Employers Institute's rigorous certification process evaluates organisations based on their performance in key HR domains, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more. According to AfroCentric Executive Director Human Capital & Transformation, Tebogo Makoe, AfroCentric's success in attaining its Top Employer status underscores a dedication to being the number one choice in an industry that quite literally saves lives where success is measured in quality of life for millions of South Africans. She says the Group’s values – Act with integrity and trust, Go the extra mile, Cultivate uniqueness, thrive together and make a positive difference – coupled with Leadership that cares for people and nurtures talent serve as guiding principles for creating an enabling workplace culture that supports the acquisition, development and retention of a skilled and talented workforce. "Our people philosophy is at the core of our value proposition – always aligning our leaders and people with business purpose,” says Makoe. “We are passionate about creating an inclusive culture that attracts, develops and retains a diverse workforce, fostering a high-performance environment that supports our strategic objectives." With a workforce comprised of 71% female and 29% male employees across entities, she says diversity and inclusion are integral components of AfroCentric's strategy. While the company has made progress in increasing the representation of women in leadership roles, Makoe acknowledges the need for continued efforts to enhance gender diversity, especially at management and leadership echelons. The company's commitment to employee engagement and enhanced employee …

As we observed World AIDS Day, it was both a moment of reflection on progress and a call to action for a crucial issue that still persists to this day. In Southern Africa, where HIV is the most severe globally, the battle against the virus extends beyond medical challenges and stretches to societal barriers built with judgment and fear. In celebration of 25 years of HIV management excellence, JSE-listed AfroCentric Group’s Aid for Aids (AfA) programme has designed, developed and delivered unique and encompassing health programmes that have improved the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. According to Maria Rambauli, AfA has been instrumental in changing the trajectory of HIV since its inception in 1998. “Our model goes beyond medical care, encompassing emotional support and coordination of all HIV care needs for individuals living with HIV. But managed care is only one aspect of this fight,” she says. With over 13% of the South African population living with HIV, Rambauli says we face an epidemic that reaches every corner of our society, making society a contributing factor to the disease’s prevalence. “Just to put it into perspective, in 2022 alone, an estimated 164,200 people were diagnosed HIV positive. Are they getting the treatment they need? If we look beyond the numbers, you’ll find that the pervasive stigma surrounding HIV remains a significant hurdle to effective care,” says Rambauli. She believes HIV stigma continues to act as a formidable barrier to HIV care in South Africa. For her, the intersection of socioeconomic factors and the anticipation and expression of stigma creates a complex web that hinders prevention efforts and perpetuates the cycle of new infections. “Fear of stigmatization prevents people from accessing vital HIV testing, a crucial entry point for prevention services. Those who hold stigmatizing beliefs about HIV may underestimate their own risk of infection, leading to a continued spread of the virus,” says …

As we recognise World Diabetes Day, the 2023 "Know your risk, know your response" theme resonates profoundly in South Africa, especially considering the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the country. According to Aimee Wesso-Roberts, Head of Lifestyle and Wellness Management at the AfroCentric Group, the landscape of diabetes in our nation is intertwined with unique challenges that demand a holistic understanding of risks and proactive responses. “While type-1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease that is usually diagnosed in childhood, type-2 diabetes is generally brought on by lifestyle decisions which are largely preventable. Our country needs to take a serious look at how we go about encouraging prevention,” says Wesso-Roberts. She says South Africa's demographic-specific statistics highlight a high prevalence in family history. Reports suggest that more than 80% of individuals without diabetes have a family history of the condition – a major non-modifiable risk factor. Understanding these risk factors provides insights vital to shaping our healthcare strategies. “Empowering South Africans with knowledge, fostering supportive environments, and advocating for proactive measures can significantly mitigate the impact of diabetes in South Africa.” For instance, Wesso-Roberts highlights the fact that only 10% of South Africans without diabetes have had their blood glucose tested in the last year, which is a problem when it comes to early identification of the condition. “We need to create a collective response to tackle diabetes, emphasising prevention, education, and support networks. By knowing our risks and crafting appropriate responses, we can work towards a healthier and more resilient South Africa.” It starts with identifying risks One of the most significant challenges we face is the alarmingly high rate of obesity, a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Wesso-Roberts says diabetes is not isolated but rather linked to a web …