Government will undertake a further step in preparation of the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) by undertaking critical investment in health infrastructure.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening.

The NHI is aimed at achieving universal healthcare for all South Africans through a centralised national insurance fund.

"As part of preparation for the [NHI], we are investing in health facilities, personnel and systems to improve access to quality care.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

"We will be undertaking substantial investment in health infrastructure, prioritising the construction and revitalisation of academic hospitals," President Ramaphosa said.

South Africa's public healthcare facilities serve more than 80% of the population with only 16% of South Africans making use of private facilities.

"On a recent visit to George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, I witnessed the dire effects of inadequate health infrastructure.

"Starting with George Mukhari Hospital, we will be working with various public and private financing institutions to finance the building and revitalisation of healthcare facilities," he said.

On the clinical side, President Ramaphosa noted that government will be rolling out programmes aimed at combatting HIV/Aids and cervical cancer.

"In support of our programmes to prevent and ultimately eliminate HIV, we will be undertaking a massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a six-monthly injection that has proven highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV.

"We are also working to end cervical cancer in our country by mobilising society to ensure that every young girl between the ages of 9 and 15 receives the HPV vaccine," he said.