The health of our nation is under threat!

• South Africa has over 5 million HIV-infected citizens
  
  
• South Africa is experiencing a severe epidemic of tuberculosis that is worsening daily
  
  
• South Africa loses thousands of children every year to illnesses that can be easily prevented such as diarrhoea, malnutrition and pneumonia.
  
  
• Our health system is further strained by an enormous load of traumatic injuries from violence.

These are just some of the many examples of worsening health outcomes in our country. 

A “right to health and to health care”

As human beings, we have a non-negotiable RIGHT to the conditions that determine good health.

It is our RIGHT to have adequate food, safe water, sanitation and a clean environment, education and access to housing and health care.

Why do we need a Right to Health Campaign?

The recently publicised infant deaths and poor TB care at Frere Hospital are only part of a much broader “national emergency” in the health system.  BUT, the crisis in the health system is not the only reason for the worsening state of the nation’s health.  

People are also needlessly sick for the simple reasons that they cannot get adequate food, clean water, decent sanitation, secure housing, steady employment, proper health information and simple, cheap medicines.

When measured by this comprehensive approach to health, South Africa is failing dismally.

We believe that South Africa can do better!