What is Human Rights Day in South Africa?

Human Rights Day is a public holiday in South Africa that commemorates the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, when police opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid laws. The day is also a celebration of the country’s constitution, which enshrines the rights of all people to dignity, equality, and freedom. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

What Does the South African Constitution Say About the Right to Healthcare?

Healthcare and well-being are among the human rights guaranteed by the South African constitution. Section 27 states that everyone has the right to access health care services, including reproductive health care, sufficient food and water, and social security, including appropriate social assistance if they cannot support themselves and their dependents.

Challenges to Accessing Healthcare in South Africa?

However, accessing and maintaining healthcare and well-being in South Africa can be challenging, especially for the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable. Some of the challenges include:

  1. The high burden of disease, especially HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Covid-19, strain the public health system and affect millions of lives.
  2. The health system’s inequality and inefficiency result in long waiting times, poor quality of care, and a lack of resources and equipment in public facilities. In contrast, private facilities are expensive and inaccessible for many.
  3. The environmental pollution and degradation pose severe threats to the health and well-being of people living near mines, industries, and waste sites, as well as to the natural resources that sustain life.
  4. The violence and discrimination affect the safety and dignity of women, children, LGBTI people, migrants, refugees, and other groups and prevent them from accessing health and justice services.

Overcoming Challenges in Healthcare Access in South Africa

To overcome these challenges and realise the right to health and well-being, the government, civil society, and the private sector need to work together to implement policies and programs that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. Some of the initiatives are currently underway or proposed to overcome these challenges.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) 

The NHI aims to provide universal health coverage for all South Africans, regardless of their income, by pooling funds from taxes and contributions and purchasing health services from public and private providers.

The End TB Strategy

This strategy aims to reduce TB deaths by 95% and TB incidence by 90% by 2035 by improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and addressing the social and economic determinants of TB.

The Green New Deal

This project proposes a radical transformation of the economy and society to achieve social justice and environmental sustainability by creating green jobs, investing in renewable energy, and protecting the rights of workers and communities.

The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

This plan outlines a comprehensive and multisectoral approach to prevent and respond to violence against women and LGBTI people by strengthening the legal framework, the service delivery, and the accountability mechanisms.

How to Access Healthcare in South Africa?

These are some ways to access and maintain your health and well-being in South Africa and contribute to realising human rights for yourself and others. Remember, health and well-being are not only about the absence of disease but also about life’s physical, mental, and social aspects. 

To access and maintain your well-being in South Africa, you must take care of your physical, mental, and social aspects of life. 

7 Steps You Can Take For Better Access to Healthcare

  1. Seek health care services when you need them, and make use of the public facilities that are available and affordable for you. You can also check if you are eligible for the National Health Insurance (NHI), which aims to provide universal health coverage for all South Africans.
  2. Follow the guidelines and recommendations from the health authorities to prevent and treat common diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. You can also get tested and vaccinated for these and other diseases and use protective measures, such as condoms, masks, and sanitisers.
  3. Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits can boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve your mood and energy levels.
  4. Avoid or limit the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances that can harm your health and well-being. If you have a problem with substance abuse, seek help from a professional or a support group.
  5. Spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Nature can help you relax, reduce stress, and enhance your well-being. However, be careful of the pollution and the weather, and dress appropriately for the season.
  6. Seek support from your friends, family, or a therapist if you feel lonely, depressed, or anxious. You can also join a community or a club that shares your interests and values. Social connections can help you cope with challenges and increase your happiness and well-being.
  7. Learn new skills, pursue your hobbies, and have fun. Doing things that make you happy and fulfilled can boost your self-esteem and well-being. You can also use your talents and passions to contribute to society and the environment and make a positive difference.

Remember, well-being is a human right and a personal responsibility. You have the power and opportunity to improve your health and well-being and to help others do the same. 

Source: 

(1) World Report 2023: South Africa | Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/south-africa

(2) Human Rights Day – Mediclinic Southern Africa. https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/about-mediclinic-southern-africa/transformation/human-rights.html

(3) ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE – The South African Human Rights Commission. https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/FINAL%20Access%20to%20Health%20Care%20Educational%20Booklet.pdf

(4) Measuring mental health and well-being of South African undergraduate …. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/global-mental-health/article/measuring-mental-health-and-wellbeing-of-south-african-undergraduate-students/9F52B00DA89A97373AAC5211BC7FEDF0

(5) Good Health and Well-being – The United Nations in South Africa. https://southafrica.un.org/en/sdgs/3

(6) SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at … – SAICA. https://www.saica.org.za/news/sdg-3-ensure-healthy-lives-and-promote-wellbeing-for-all-at-all-ages/