"We have invited representatives from the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the local nurses association to launch a global speaking book outlining practical ways people can prevent and manage non-communicable diseases in rural and urban settings.

The new book will highlight the importance of health literacy and the safe use of medicines, while promoting increased access to patient-centred health information. The launch entitled “GROWING YOUR HEALTH” will be graced by a well-known South African actress Lillian Dube who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and hypertension. Lillian is extremely positive about how people can help themselves to be healthier and she will tell her story to an expected audience of over 250 people.

The health education tool will explain how healthy eating and living can prevent lifestyle illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory diseases and some cancers. The Director of Chronic Diseases, Disabilities and Geriatrics, Sandhiya Singh, from the South African Department of Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, will give a speech supported by the Member of the Executive Council responsible for health in the Gauteng Province. There will be a Community Choir with relevant songs to further strengthen the day's agenda. The South African print and electronic media has been invited to report on this day.

There will be an exhibition area for patients’ organizations to display their information, showcase their projects with community members and exchange information and lessons that can be emulated elsewhere.

As a build up to this event; SADAG will stage a similar event in a school situated in a township. Here the messages will be designed to meet the needs of secondary school children and will involve school nurses."

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