“The earlier we are able to detect disease, the less the costs incurred. Preventing disease will cost even less,” Botha said.

The department has established four workgroups that will report to the Human Development Social Sector Committee to address the upstream issues that contribute to the burden of disease - maternal and child health, reduction of injuries, promotion of healthy lifestyles and HIV/Aids and TB.

“Effective strategies targeted in these areas will have a long term benefit on the disease profile of our people, in terms of the social agreement between state and citizens, we will create a healthier society by 2020.” 

Also commemorating World Health Day, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo challenged all provincial health workers, especially midwives, to adopt a zero tolerance to maternal deaths in all clinics and hospitals.

Speaking at the official opening of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Unit at Dundee Hospital, Dhlomo said World Health Day was devoted to the men and women who continue to serve people under conditions that are not always favourable.

World Health Day is commemorated annually on 7 April to highlight the need to protect and promote health.