In a significant move for diabetes care in South Africa, Novo Nordisk has been awarded national tender HP06-2024SVP/02, paving the way for the expanded rollout of modern analogue insulin across the public healthcare sector.
This development is expected to enhance treatment options for millions of South Africans living with diabetes, bringing public sector offerings in line with national clinical guidelines and the World Health Organization’s recommendations on the use of insulin analogues in appropriate patient populations.
“This development aligns with South Africa’s policy vision of strengthening chronic disease management in the public sector,” said Thabeng Leping, Public Affairs Director at Novo Nordisk South Africa. “Improving access to recommended therapies like analogue insulin is an important step toward delivering on national NCD strategies and building a more equitable and resilient health system.”
The awarded tender includes the supply of premixed modern analogue insulin in pen device format, a step that is expected to significantly ease administration for patients and healthcare providers alike. Although these insulins have long been available in private healthcare markets around the world, their broader availability in South Africa’s public system marks a milestone in health equity.
“Whilst more modern insulins are well established in other healthcare settings, their broader rollout here across the public sector has been more limited,” said Sara Norcross, General Manager at Novo Nordisk South Africa. “This is a significant and positive advancement in access for more patients with diabetes and one that should also lead to better health outcomes.”
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), South Africa has an estimated 4 million people living with diabetes — the majority of whom depend on public sector services. The expansion of access to analogue insulin is expected to support the national 90-60-50 diabetes targets, as outlined in the country’s Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan.
To ensure readiness, a phased rollout is planned, focusing on the preparedness of healthcare facilities for storage and administration. The strategy also includes solutions to address past distribution challenges related to pen devices.
“This is a positive development for people living with diabetes,” said Kirsten de Klerk, Co-Founder of SA Diabetes Advocacy. “Access to analogue insulin in pen format is an important step toward inclusive care that responds to the real-life needs of patients.”
As South Africa continues its fight against non-communicable diseases, this tender marks a major step forward in improving the quality, accessibility, and equity of diabetes care across the country.
