National Department of Health

The Director-General of the Department of Health, Dr Thembisile Xulu in Sandton today led the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Planning Forum meeting on her 27th day in office, to coordinate international donor aid, andcalign external funding with domestic health goals.

Bringing healthcare closer to communities: Minister Motsoaledi to lead Rotary Family Health Days campaign in Limpopo on 29 October 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to bring comprehensive health services closer to communities, especially those living far from health facilities.

FAREWELL, PROF! The Department recognises Prof Nicholas Crisp, NHI Deputy Director-General for his dedicated service and contribution to advancing universal health coverage through the NHI implementation. As he concludes his tenure, we wish him well in his future endeavours.

Day 1 of the Environmental Health Policy and Strategy Review Workshop, hosted by the National Department of Health at Garden Court OR Tambo, Kempton Park. The workshop is convened to critically assess and update the existing Environmental Health policy and strategic framework.

The NDoH Athletics Club members who participated in two races this weekend completed their races in record time, earning medals and adding to their sporting achievements. A total of 13 athletes participated in the two races; Jacaranda Marathon and Kimberly Bighole Marathon

#WPD2026 Vaccinate newborns and infants to ensure they receive maximum protection. Young children are the most vulnerable, so do not delay their first doses. #ChildImmunisation

#WPD2026 No cure for polio The only way to save your child from permanent paralysis or lifelong disability is through vaccination. #ChildImmunisation

World Polio Day 24 October 2026 "One day, one focus: ending polio for good" -Together let us build a polio free future- Vaccinate newborns and infants immediately. Young children are the most vulnerable. Do not delay their first doses. #Childimmunisation

CHASING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES! NDoH Athletics Club Members will participate in two road races this weekend. This forms part of the Healthy Lifestyles Campaign, encouraging communities to stay physically active and make healthy lifestyle choices. Make every step count!

#High🤚🏾 method in breast cancer care typically refers to High-5 risk assessments done every six months for early detection, or Highly Accelerated Irradiation 5 Fractions (HAI-5), a streamlined radiation therapy schedule. #Breastcancer #Highfive

Mr Foster Mohale, Chairperson of the national Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Forum, officially opened the RCCE Workshop, calling for an inclusive, coordinated and resilient RCCE system that places communities at the centre and leaves no one behind.

#WEBINAR: CPD Points Hosted by Knowledge Hub Title: Climate Change and Health: El Nino Preparedness and Response Date: 22 October 2026 Time: 10am - 12pm Theme: Strengthening Public Health Response toward the impacts of El Nino #SaveTheDate

MEDIA STATEMENT To: Editors & Health Journalists Issued by: Department of Health Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026 Department confirms four additional mpox cases, increasing the national total to 26

The Health Movers delivered an encouraging performance at the National Public Servants Sports and Cultural Event held today at Mbombela Stadium. The team demonstrated teamwork, sportsmanship and a strong commitment to promoting health and wellness among public servants.

The National Department of Health (NDoH) Athletics Club will participate in two road races this weekend, as part of the Department’s Healthy Lifestyles Campaign, promoting physical activity and encouraging people to adopt healthier habits. #MoveForHealth #HealthyHabits

Ms Jeanette Hunter, PHC Deputy DG at the Obesity Indaba in Sandton, which concluded on 15 October 2026: "Addressing obesity requires coordinated, multisectoral action to create supportive environments that enable people to make healthier choices," Ms Hunter.

Ms Aneliswa Cele, National Department's Chief Director of Environmental Health and Communicable Disease Control, at the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day at Lusiba Primary School in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero”.

#Webinar | The Learning Health Systems edition of the South African Health Review is due to be released on Tuesday 27 October. Date: 27 October 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00–11:30 SAST 💻 Platform: National #SaveTheDate

SCHOOL HEALTH WEEK 12–16 October 2026 “Healthy Learners, Brighter Future” Ensuring that all school-going children have the opportunity to grow into healthy, resilient adults and reach their full developmental potential. #SHW2026 #SchoolHealth #HealthyLearners #BrighterFuture

Led by the Chief Director of Health Promotion, Nutrition and Oral Health, Ms Rebone Ntsie, the Department has convened a two-day National Obesity Indaba in Sandton under the theme, “Healthy Systems, Healthy Futures: Breaking Barriers to Obesity Prevention in South Africa.”