Health news at a glance – February
From cholera to the gene map to Nkosi Johnson'€™s twelfth birthday - a summary of the health issues that featured in the news over the past month.
2 March 2001
Read More » Health news at a glance – February
South Africa’€™s health none too rosy
The impact of HIV/AIDS on all aspects of South African society is hampering even the best efforts to improve the health status of the country and overall the country'€™s health status remains poor.
Living without medicine
Living with HIV for eight years without picking up an opportunistic infection, Lundi Ntikinca is worried about the day when he will need expensive medication that could save his life. An option he cannot afford.
Drug prices
The sale of drugs in South Africa earned pharmaceutical companies about R8,25-billion last year, but the public sector only accounted for 24 percent of sales despite the fact that over 80 percent of the population depends on state health.
Sharp rise but malaria battle is being won
Despite praising the Department of Health for effectively managing malaria, the South African Health Review today warned that there had been a dramatic rise since 1996.
South Africa to host over 100 health ministers
Health ministers from across the world will converge on Johannesburg for two days at the end of the month when South Africa hosts the 25th meeting of Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). About 115 member states of NAM are expected with national delegations led by health ministers attending.
HIV threatens progress in TB control
HIV infection, if it remains uncontrolled, has the potential to swamp progress made in tuberculosis (TB) control, according to the South African Health Review released today.
The hopes of millions pinned on the court case
The hopes of millions of South Africans and fellow Africans will be pinned on the outcome of the court case between 41 pharmaceutical companies and Government which starts in Pretoria today (Monday). Health-e investigate what gave rise to the case and the opposing arguments that are likely to be presented.
Overwhelming support from around the globe
The Treatment Action Campaign has had an impressive, worldwide response to a call for an international day of action against "pharmaceutical company profiteering at the expense of the lives of people with HIV/AIDS". From Brail to Australia and Paris to Vancouver, activists will gather today in solidarity.
What the roleplayers had to say…
A collection of quotes on what those involved in the court case and those most likely to be affected have to say.