About Phila

Phila is a new movement that promotes a holistic approach to wellness, which begins with a positive health attitude, and ends in a long and healthy life for all.

Launched on October 13, 2016 by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the movement encourages knowing one’s health status, increased physical activity, healthier eating, adherence to treatment, good sexual health and a safe, violence-free society.

This is a government response to the challenge of a quadruple burden of diseases faced by all South Africans, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive drinking and unsafe sexual practices.These challenges have contributed to four epidemics that currently prevail at the same time, these are Non-Communicable Diseases, HIV and AIDS, TB, Violence Injury and Trauma, Mother-Child-Woman Health.

The campaign is aimed at individuals of all ages, aiming to shift their health-related belief systems and behaviour by exposing them to integrated motivational health messages through innovative mass media communication.

• Phila tells you what is the current situation for your specific illness - ‘The Moment’
• It informs you of the facts you need to know about a health topic - ‘The Power of Knowing’
• It provokes you to question your attitude toward your current behaviour - ‘The Get Up’
• It suggests the actions you need to take - ‘The Action’
• It suggests how you can sustain the change - ‘The Future’

Phila Partners

Phila takes a holistic view of health care involving all members of society to work towards a healthier nation. Phila thus aims to have as its core partners organisations such as:

• Sports bodies/clubs – because sportsman and women are the epitome of human fitness and an inspiration, especially among young people
• Sports shops - one of the leading manufacturers of active wear that promotes an active lifestyle
• Cosatu and other Trade Unions – An organisation that is founded on the premise of promoting an environment where workers are healthy, happy and productive.
• Businesses, taxi bodies, schools and churches – high volume/traffic areas