Health e News

20 years of the WHO tobacco control treaty: How far is a smoke-free South Africa? 

South Africa has made significant progress through tobacco taxation, advertising bans, and smoking restrictions. But tobacco use remains high, with 29.4% of adults using tobacco products.

Kindness costs: The hidden sacrifices nurses make for patients with TB

The selfless and unacknowledged financial sacrifices that nurses make for their patients – often daily – is a phenomenon that needs to be further investigated, quantified, and taken into consideration when designing TB interventions that support patient adherence to TB treatment.

US aid Freeze: Call for urgent plan and increased budget for health

A task team should be established by no later than 15 February 2025, with a draft of this plan to be finalised by 28 February 2025, at the latest.

Apply by 7 February: Community Journalist Project

Are you interested in shining a light on the social and structural factors that shape health outcomes in your community? Do you have a story to tell about how poverty, inequality, access to healthcare, or living conditions impact people’s health? Health-e News invites community journalists and grassroots activists to join our 2025 Social Determinants of Health Project, where you’ll gain the tools and support to make a real impact through storytelling. What the Project Offers Who Should Apply? You don’t need to be a seasoned journalist to apply! If you’re passionate, motivated, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you. Commitment Application Requirements Personal Statement (250–400 words): Tell us about yourself, your community work, or your journalism experience. Why do you want to be part of this project? What stories do you want to tell about factors contributing to poor health in your community? Work Sample For journalists:

High Court’s landmark SRD grant decision: a catalyst for Universal Health Coverage

Research on social grants in South Africa indicates positive effects on food security and suggests potential mental health benefits due to reduced financial stress.
Close up of African American hand holding stethoscope

Unemployed doctors are only part of South Africa’s healthcare struggle

The struggles of other critical healthcare workers, including oral health practitioners, rehabilitation therapists, and mental health specialists are often over-looked.

Youth-led Solutions: how Shout-It-Now is addressing teen pregnancy and HIV

South Africa faces alarming rates of teen pregnancy and HIV, with many young people deterred from accessing free preventive services due to judgment and shame.

HIV prevention must be linked to GBV interventions

Many women who are living with HIV were infected through non-consensual sexual acts, often accompanied by physical and emotional violence; linked to the imbalance in power between women and men.

South Africa’s new dental amalgam procurement contract ignores the risks of mercury 

South Africa’s role in the global environmental health movement cannot simply be symbolic; it must be practical and firmly rooted in action.

Going to the clinic? Bring your own toilet paper, soap

Most of the people we spoke to said the toilets are often out of order with no soap or toilet paper.
Five climate change myth busters worth knowing

Five ways that climate change threatens human health

Despite having contributed the least to global emissions, Africa will be most affected by climate change.
High angle diabetic woman checking her glucose level

World Diabetes Day: The hidden burden of mental health in diabetes care

While the physical impact of diabetes is widely known, the mental health challenges are often overlooked.

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