Millions of people worldwide are living with chronic conditions. To support our communities with managing their chronic health conditions, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness offers a comprehensive package of care for local patients at clinics across the province. We want you to work together with us to manage your chronic condition responsibly and avoid unnecessary trips to our emergency centres due to unmanaged chronic illnesses. On Tuesday 7 April 2026, we observe World Health Day, and the department is encouraging all residents to take ownership of their health and wellness for a healthier you and society.
“Living with a chronic illness is a daily commitment, and for many people that commitment comes with very real challenges. But the consequences of interrupting treatment cannot be overstated. When a patient misses medications, skips appointments, or stops their treatment early, the disease does not pause with them,” says Dr Masudah Paleker, Public Medicine Specialist for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
“Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma can deteriorate rapidly and silently, often resulting in emergency centre visits, severe complications, and outcomes that are far harder to treat than the original condition. Many of these emergencies are preventable. Consistent, uninterrupted treatment is one of the most powerful tools we have, not only for individual patients, but for reducing the burden on a healthcare system that is already under enormous strain. When communities are supported to stay on their treatment schedules, lives are saved,” says Dr Paleker.
Unmanaged chronic diseases result in adverse health challenges, including stroke, heart attacks, and the need for advance medical intervention. And medication alone is not the answer.
Dominique Boswell-October, Pharmacist: Chronic Dispensing Unit for the department, says chronic patients often use their medications as a quick fix or a means to justify unchanged lifestyle habits.
“You would hear a patient say, ‘I can eat this, because I will just take a tablet and will feel better’, rather than changing their lifestyle or eating habits for a healthier approach to manage their chronic condition,” she says.
“According to our data, chronic patients are collecting medication, but from there it is up to the patient to adhere to the treatment schedule. Patients need to get to a point where they are accountable for their own health. Taking treatment is not meant to be a quick fix, it is meant to be a holistic approach.”
Dale Patience, qualified dietician for the department offers the following practical dietary tips for adjusting your lifestyle.
Increase your intake of our proteins – meat, fish, eggs, chicken or look at your plant-based alternatives of beans and lentils.
- Ensure there is variety. Look at your carbohydrates – rice, pastas, potatoes. Keep these items in moderation but consumed daily because they provide our bodies with the energy.
“Overall, we would encourage communities to consume as much fresh produce as possible, and it is recommended to plan meals in advance, purchasing affordable meals accordingly, and preparing meals at home and avoid buying sweet treats or fast foods that has got little to no nutritional value,” says Dale.
“The benefits of meal planning and preparation allow you to take advantage of discounted prices. If you’ve got a menu planned when going to do shopping, you know the ingredients that you are going to need. Take advantage of bulk buying which allows your budget to stretch a bit further,” says Dale.
If you require assistance in treating or managing chronic diseases, including nutrition support, diagnosis and treatment, make an appointment and visit your local healthcare clinic.