NHLS launches South Africa’s first national diabetes dashboard to enhance real-time patient care

SOUTH AFRICA—The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has launched South Africa’s first National Diabetes (HbA1c) Dashboard, marking a major advance in the country’s fight against diabetes, one of its leading causes of death.

The platform was developed in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, National Priority Programmes, and the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (DIH).

The new digital tool gives healthcare workers and policymakers a near-real-time national picture of diabetes control in the public health sector.

It uses laboratory data collected by the NHLS and updates information within 48 hours, allowing faster decisions and earlier interventions for patients at risk.

Built through national collaboration

NHLS said the dashboard was created through a multidisciplinary effort involving its Corporate Data Warehouse, National Priority Programmes, and the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand.

By combining expertise in diagnostics, data management, and clinical pathology, the partners developed a system designed to improve how diabetes trends are tracked and managed across provinces, districts, and health facilities.

Professor Koleka Mlisana, Chief Executive Officer of NHLS, said the platform changes how health data is used in South Africa.

“This platform transforms how we use laboratory data, shifting from retrospective reporting to real-time action. It equips healthcare workers with the information needed to respond faster and improve patient outcomes,” Mlisana said.

Faster access to critical diabetes data

Previously, diabetes data was distributed through monthly Excel reports that required manual analysis before reaching health authorities and facilities.

This process often delayed treatment decisions and programme responses.

The new dashboard replaces those slower systems with continuously updated information that clinicians and managers can access quickly.

As a result, health teams can identify high-risk patients earlier, monitor blood sugar control more effectively, and intervene before complications develop.

Healthcare practitioners across South Africa can use the dashboard, ensuring frontline workers have access to timely patient information when making treatment decisions.

Strengthening national response

Beyond patient care, the dashboard is expected to improve accountability and planning across the health system.

Officials can now monitor diabetes trends by province and facility, helping them direct resources and support to areas with the greatest need.

NHLS said the platform also strengthens South Africa’s wider response to non-communicable diseases by supporting the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2022–2027).

One of the plan’s targets is to ensure that 50% of people receiving diabetes treatment achieve controlled blood sugar levels.

For the first time, South Africa now has a dedicated diabetes surveillance system focused on measuring disease control in the public sector.

Expanding diagnostic innovation

Mlisana said the dashboard reflects NHLS’s broader strategy of using innovation to strengthen healthcare delivery.

“By providing near-real-time insights, we are empowering healthcare workers to respond faster, intervene earlier, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients living with diabetes across South Africa,” she said.

The launch further positions NHLS as a key partner in building a data-driven national healthcare system supported by modern diagnostic tools.