Health e News

Report: Global status report on alcohol and health 2014

Produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the report confirms high levels of alcohol abuse but also positive policy moves spearheaded by the government’s Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Mothers Day treat for pregnant women

Starting from Mothers Day on 11 May, pregnant women in the Western Cape are being given a little book to answer all their questions thanks to the provincial department of health and the Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP). The booklet covers topics such as “healthy pregnancy” and “safe birth,” as well as mental health, birth companionship and being safe from domestic violence. There is also a chapter describing the new Code for Patient-Centred Maternity Care, which describes the Department of Health’s initiative to enshrine the rights of all mothers to dignity and evidence-based maternity care. The mother-friendly booklet is free and designed in an easy-to-read format with engaging illustrations. Details are provided of a range of resources that are available for mothers and fathers with particular needs. “The aim of the booklet is to provide the pregnant woman, her partner and family with knowledge regarding a healthy pregnancy and to

Report: Eradicating informal settlements by 2014 – A goal deferred

The Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) at Rhodes Univeristy has released an analysis of national and provincial efforts to improve access to housing, focusing on the Eastern Cape.
maternal deaths

Guidelines: National contraception, fertility planning policy

In February 2014, South Africa began rolling out its latest contraception and family planning guidelines.

Health-e places 2nd in African reporting challenge

PRESS RELEASE: Health-e wins second place in The African Story Challenge Top Health Reporting Award.
maternal deaths

Guidelines: Guidance for educators on national HPV campaign

As part of a recently introduced national campaign, the departments of health and basic education have released the following two-page document for educators.

Health-e nominated for African Story Challenge award

The Health-e News team’s special investigation into childhood vaccinations has been named as one the top three entries in the African Story Challenge (health category).

Report: Joint review of HIV, TB & PMTCT programmes in South Africa

Released in Johannesburg in early April, this is the first such review of its kind in a high burden African country, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Fact sheet: Competition Commission market inquiry into the private health care sector

Released by public interest organisation Section27, this fact sheet outlines key information regarding the ongoing Competition Commission inquiry into the private health care sector.

Documents: SADC on TB integration, cross-border referrals

Released at a March regional meeting on tuberculosis (TB) in southern Africa’s mines, these documents cover TB treatment harmonization, compensation and the economic benefits of regular TB screening of mining communities.

Teenage Pregnancy: Just a little bit of fun?

Dineo Hlako is 19 years old and in matric. She is in her third trimester of her pregnancy and in the midst of writing her final matric exams. She never planned to fall pregnant while she was in school but is determined to complete matric and go on to study further. Dineo walks us through her emotional nine-month journey to becoming a mother. “I didn’t plan to fall pregnant. It was just something that happened whilst I was having a bit of fun.” Ntaoleng Rakhetsi, Grade 10 student and mother to a 4 month old baby boy. Teenage pregnancy has become commonplace in our communities with about 90 000 learners falling pregnant in 2012, according to official statistics. This Health-e documentary follows three teenage mothers who struggle to stay in school, provide for their new babies and negotiate changed relationships with boyfriends, families and communities after the births of their

South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence & Behaviour Survey, 2012

The latest national HIV survey in South Africa finds increases in HIV prevalence, decreases in condom use and earlier sexual debut for boys among other findings.

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