The document outlines the quadruple burden of disease that South Africa is faced with, furthermore highlights the extent to which the health system struggles with four major health issues: non-communicable diseases (NCDs), communicable diseases (especially HIV and TB), maternal, neonatal and child morbidity and mortality, and deaths due to injury and violence. Health promotion has a significant role to play in reducing the burden of disease to the health system, by addressing the key social, behavioural and structural determinants of health.