"It is the view of the South African government that a 'health only' approach will not reverse the global mortality and burden from NCDs, but that a 'whole of government' and 'whole of society' approach is needed," Motsoaledi said.

He also shared few examples of risk reduction and control of NCDs in South Africa, which include the implementation of the Framework Convention and Guidelines on Tobacco Control reiterating that government will continue to strengthen legislation to further reduce the impact of tobacco use.

"On improving surveillance, South Africa has recently passed regulations making the reporting of cancers compulsory. This makes South Africa one of the few countries to do this... South Africa has also just passed regulations to reduce the use of trans fats and are currently drawing up regulations to reduce salt content in processed food.

"Towards the whole of government and development approach to the prevention and control of NCDs, an inter-ministerial committee made up of nine ministers has been established to come up with legislative and other solutions to combat harm from alcohol and other drugs," Motsoaledi told delegates.

Reported by: South African Government News Service