Taking health to the people
South Africa's health system is on the brink of a dramatic change, with the National Health Insurance White Paper expected to be considered by Cabinet this week.
Fathima Simjee
Read More »Taking health to the people
Breakthrough in TB diagnostics
Tuberculosis is the leading cause of natural death in South Africa and over 10% of all new TB cases are drug resistant. One of the most important measures for controlling the spread of the bacteria is quick diagnosis and treatment. Revolutionary new testing technology may make this possible.
‘I am scared’: the frightening reality of breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in South Africa, affecting approximately 1 in every 29 women. Whilst cancer cannot always be prevented, early detection does allow for a greater chance of a full recovery. In this insert Nosipho Mgoma shares her reality of breast cancer and shows that it can affect younger woman and if detected late, can have devastating consequences.
The highs and lows of bipolar mood disorder
We all have the occasional mood swing or wake up on the wrong side of the bed some mornings. However as this insert shows, it is not just a simple case of good or bad days when your fluctuating moods are affecting your career and your relationship with loved ones. Tshidi Khumbane shares her experience of bipolar mood disorder.
A special Gift: a mother’s story of Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 800 children and results in mental as well as physical disability. As this insert shows, information is the key to not only accepting your child's condition, but also in being able to provide the specific care that your child needs.
“I’m too young to die”: A boy’s battle with Leukaemia
Almost 1000 new cases of leukaemia are diagnosed every year, most of these in children. Treatment involves replacing the diseased bone marrow, with new, matching bone marrow from a donor. This insert shows 11 year old Rahul Singh who is still unable to find a match.
Secrets and Lies
Cheating, mistresses and having more than one partner might sound very sexy and intriguing. But beneath the surface lies a dangerous web of sexual partners which is leading to the rampant spread of HIV/AIDS.
Autistic children struggle to get and education
All children are guaranteed the right to education in South Africa. However children with more specific education needs are sometimes forgotten on the sidelines. There are only 9 schools for children with autism in the entire country. This insert,looks at the challenges faced by a school for autistic children in Johannesburg.
In the line of duty – update
On World TB Day, Health-e News brought you the story of Nerissa Pather ' a young doctor crippled by the multi-drug resistant TB Meningitis. After that report aired on Special Assignment, the MEC for Health in Kwa-Zulu Natal visited the family and has promised to ensure that she gets compensation.
I wish I had never lit a cigarette
5 million people worldwide die of tobacco related diseases every year, which is one death every 10 seconds. Despite the crack down on smokers in South Africa through increased tax on cigarettes and restrictions on where they can smoke, few people take heed of the warnings that tobacco kills. In this insert produced by Fathima Simjee, Ken Newman, who was a smoker for over 50 years explains why he wishes he had never lit a cigarette in his life.
Positive Heroes
On Sunday 30th May, more than 23 000 runners took part in the Comrades marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. One of the teams that participated was a group of HIV+ athletes. In this insert the runners from Positive Heroes explain the importance of showing that people with HIV are still able to achieve their dreams.
Just for laughs
Depression has been directly linked to serious illness. According to the WHO, people living with HIV/AIDS are 4.4 times more likely to be depressed. Every time we laugh our body releases a cocktail of chemicals and hormones which give us a feeling of happiness. This insert produced by Fathima Simjee tells the story of Alice Phiri, who has used laughter therapy to help her deal with her HIV positive status.