Through health literacy efforts and multisectoral action, The NICD plays a vital role in keeping communities healthy and informed about potential health risks as well as preventative measures with regards to communicable diseases.

Health awareness and promotion addresses behavioural factors such as the vaccination of families and pets, thorough hand washing, safe sex and practising good food hygiene. When people understand the risks of certain lifestyle choices, they know to start making changes. Communicable diseases are preventable, and as an organisation, the NICD aims to engage and empower South Africans to choose healthy behaviours and make changes to reduce the risk and spread of communicable diseases.