Overview of health
challenges
South Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV in the world. More than 5.6 million South Africans are living with HIV and the country suffers from what is known as a quadruple burden of disease in its communities. This, according to the Medical Research Council, is the impact of the combination of the effects of HIV/AIDS, underdevelopment, chronic diseases related to unhealthy lifestyles and injuries, on the country.
The South African National Department of Health has developed a National Strategic Plan to address the issues, the objectives of which Rotary Family Health Days supports as the needs continue to grow.
History
The Rotary Family Health Days program was launched in South Africa in 2012. The Health Days have successfully run in South Africa for the last nine years, and are delivered through a powerful public private partnership which includes the National Government (the National Department of Health), the US Government through the Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention, USAID, media houses, Rotary Clubs and districts, the private sector, NGOs and civil society.
Rotary Family
Health Days Sites
Each year almost 100 Rotary Family Health Days sites are hosted by Rotary clubs in communities across South Africa. The sites are chosen in consultation with locally-based officials from the Provincial Departments of Health, community-based project partners and Rotary club members.
Click on the report below to learn more about the Health Days that were held South Africa.
Impact
With support from Districts 9350, 9370 and 9400, Rotary Action Group for Family Health & AIDS Prevention (RFHA) has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of people. RFHA is responsible for the oversight of the Rotary Family Health Days campaign (RFHD).
In 2019, South African Rotary clubs hosted 83 sites that provided 31,989 people with 138,541 free health services.
The report also found that more than 70% of people who attended Rotary Family Health Days in South Africa were female and when surveyed, 78% of respondents said that their health had changed for the better as a direct result of the services provided at the Rotary Family Health Days.
In 2022 and 2023, 2,662 people were served and a total of 8,381 health services were provided.
Testimonials
Country Report
Our comprehensive reporting ensures accurate impact assessment, sustainability and accountability.
2020 Rotary Family Health Days Webinar
As a result of movement and gathering restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 campaign was commemorated as a webinar hosted by the South African Minister of Health that reached more than 25 000 people.
SPONSORS/PARTNERS
These are our primary and implementing partners. We worked with more than 90 NGOs on the ground.