Ballito: South Africa is set to host the second meeting of the Group of 20 Health Working Group (G20 HWG) next week at the Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. The meeting will begin on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, and will run for three days, focusing on the theme ‘Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage.’
According to South African Government News Agency, the event will feature several side events that offer a platform for delegates to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions on critical issues, including strengthening health systems and promoting equitable access to health services. Key issues for discussion include financial protection for universal health coverage (UHC) and maintaining health financing amid a challenging global economy.
The meeting aims to strengthen investments and advance UHC, bridge the equity gap to address non-communicable diseases, and respond to the global health financing emergency. The Department of Health has also announced a co-sponsored event focused on the elimination of cervical cancer, which will take place alongside the main meeting.
Delegates from G20 countries, invited nations, representatives, and international organizations will attend the meeting. The G20 includes 19 countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with two regional bodies, the European Union and the African Union.
Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver a keynote address during the opening session on 26 March 2025. He will be joined by Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thami Ntuli, and KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.