As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, Momentum Health is urging women to prioritise their health and wellbeing through preventative care. With rising rates of chronic illness and mental health strain, the call to action is clear: women must be supported to take charge of their health.
According to the 2023/24 Annual Report by the National Department of Health1, South Africa continues to face a quadruple burden of disease, with non-communicable conditions such as diabetes, maternal and child health issues, cardiovascular disease, and cancer increasing at an alarming rate. Women, who often carry the dual responsibility of caregiving and economic contribution, are particularly vulnerable, yet many delay seeking care until their health begins to decline.
“Women are the backbone of our families and communities,” says Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health. “But too often, they neglect their own health. This Women’s Month, we want to empower women to take charge of their wellbeing through prevention and early action.”
The State of Women’s Health in South Africa
Findings from Statistics South Africa2 reveal a complex picture of women’s health. While access to healthcare has improved in some areas, many women still face barriers to quality care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Mental health challenges are becoming more prevalent, driven by economic pressures, caregiving responsibilities and social expectations. Limited access to quality care and mental health services further compound these issues. At the same time, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer are on the rise. Breast and cervical cancer remain the most common cancers affecting women, often detected too late due to limited screening and awareness.
“Women’s health is not just a medical issue, it’s a societal one,” says McHugh. “When women are unable to access the care they need, the ripple effects are felt across families, workplaces, and communities. We must address the root causes of poor health outcomes if we are to see real change.”
Despite these challenges, there are signs of resilience. The South African government has committed to maintaining access to antiretroviral therapy, which remains vital for HIV-positive women. However, service disruptions, particularly affecting adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant women, have hindered testing and outreach efforts. New campaigns and partnerships are being mobilised to close treatment gaps and support prevention and early detection among those most at risk.
Wellbeing Starts with Prevention
Momentum Health is encouraging women to adopt a holistic approach to their health, one that includes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Preventative care is a powerful tool, and it starts with regular check-ups and screenings. Routine breast exams, mammograms, and assessments for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels ensures early detection and more effective treatment of chronic conditions.
Mental wellbeing is equally vital due to mounting lifestyle pressures that burden emotional resilience. “Society often expects women to be everything to everyone, caregivers, professionals, partners and more,” says McHugh. “But what is often overlooked is the mental toll this takes. Mental wellbeing is not a luxury; it is a foundation. When women are mentally strong and supported, they are better equipped to care for their physical health too. The two are deeply connected, and one cannot thrive without the other.”
Lifestyle choices also play a critical role in long-term health. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, quality sleep and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are essential. Multiply, Momentum’s wellness and rewards programme, supports women in making these choices by recognising and incentivising healthy behaviours, helping them stay motivated and empowered to prioritise their wellbeing.
Empowering Women to Thrive
As the nation honours the strength and contributions of women this August, Momentum Health is calling for a renewed focus on wellbeing, not just as a health goal, but as a way of life. When women are supported to prioritise their health, they are better equipped to lead, nurture, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Momentum Health remains committed to providing women with the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to take charge of their health. Because when women are well, communities are stronger, futures are brighter, and South Africa moves forward.
“Women carry an extraordinary load, often quietly and without recognition,” says McHugh. “But they shouldn’t have to carry it alone. As a society, we must create environments that support women’s wellbeing. Our health is our wealth and our greatest asset, and when women are empowered to protect and prioritise it, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They uplift families, workplaces, and our country.”