Johannesburg: The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, National Priority Programmes, and the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (DIH), has developed South Africa’s first National Diabetes (HbA1c) Dashboard — a major step forward in tackling one of the country’s leading causes of death.
According to South African Government News Agency, the NHLS announced that the dashboard was created through a multidisciplinary effort, integrating expertise from the NHLS Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), National Priority Programmes, and the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. NHLS CEO, Professor Koleka Mlisana, explained that the platform utilizes NHLS laboratory data from across the country to deliver a near-real-time nationwide view of diabetes control.
Professor Mlisana emphasized the transformative nature of the platform, stating, “This platform transforms how we use laboratory data from retrospective reporting to real-time action. It equips healthcare workers with the information needed to respond faster and improve patient outcomes.”
The NHLS highlighted that this development comes amid rising calls from civil society for urgent, coordinated action to address diabetes, now widely acknowledged as a national health crisis. The dashboard provides a near-real-time, nationwide view of diabetes control, using NHLS laboratory data refreshed within 48 hours, allowing clinicians and programme managers to identify high-risk patients earlier and prevent complications.
The new system replaces the previous method of sharing data via monthly Excel-based reports, which required manual analysis and delayed timely intervention. Instead, the live, continuously updated data refreshes every 48 hours, offering immediate access to critical patient information and enabling faster clinical decision-making.
In addition to enhancing clinical care, the dashboard strengthens accountability and system performance, allowing health authorities to monitor trends across provinces and target interventions where they are most needed. This positions the NHLS as a key partner in building a coordinated, data-driven, evidence-based national response to diabetes.
The initiative supports the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2022-2027), with a goal to ensure that 50% of diabetics on treatment achieve control. This marks the first time South Africa has a dedicated diabetes surveillance system to assess levels of control in the public sector.
With the dashboard now accessible to healthcare practitioners across South Africa, frontline workers are equipped with the necessary tools to respond effectively and efficiently, reinforcing the NHLS’ role as a leader in diagnostic innovation and its commitment to enhancing patient care and health system performance.