Health e News

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South Africa is failing its youngest children – report flags critical gaps in early learning, social protection and health care

The 2024 issue of the South African Child Gauge highlights how South Africa has sold its children short and failed to achieve what it set out to do almost a decade ago.
Helen Joseph Hospital sees uptick in mental health admissions

The Gauteng Department of Health is prioritising Public Relations (as usual) instead of making a genuine effort to fix public healthcare facilities

In response to the viral video by former 702 broadcaster, Tom London, about the conditions at Helen Joseph Hospital, two health unions have issued statements which we’ve published as is. Press Statement by the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) has noted the video that went viral, which was recorded by former 702 broadcaster, Tom London where he relates his shocking experience as a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital. If Mr. London had been admitted to Chris Hani Baragwaneth, Charlotte Maxeke or Rahima Moosa hospitals, he would have had the very same experience. What he is saying is what HAITU has said for years in countless media interviews and on public platforms. His complaints are the complaints of every single patient who uses public healthcare facilities in this country. And yet, not a single apology was ever issued by

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Stories from the ground: EC nurse fears for her life as clinics come under siege from criminals 

The thugs would run to the clinic which is the only healthcare facility in this area and force the nurses to take care of their gunshot wounds.

It’s almost impossible to keep teens off their phones in bed – but new research shows it really does affect their sleep

Sleep guidelines recommend no screen use in the hour or two before bed.

From the cinnamon challenge to ‘dragon’s breath’ – here’s what you need to know about social media’s most dangerous trends

If you value the linings of your oesophagus, trachea, lungs and stomach, then you’d be well advised to avoid all bizarre or risky sounding challenges on social media.
father at the ocean holding a baby

Men have a biological clock too. Here’s what’s more likely when dads are over 50

As we know from media reports of celebrity dads, men produce sperm from puberty throughout life and can father children well into old age.

How does a disease spread from animals to humans? A lot has to do with people’s behaviour

Epidemics and pandemics of new diseases arise in two stages. Firstly, the zoonotic spillover event introduces the infectious organism, in the main a virus, into the human population from an animal source.
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A man who wears many hats – and safe sex advocate is one

Phumlani Kango is a proudly gay man, PrEP activist, writer, and traditional healer.
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Children and the internet: helping kids navigate this modern minefield

The internet and social media are not all bad for children. Some online spaces may even help young people to manage their mental health.

Air pollution in South Africa: affordable new devices use AI to monitor hotspots in real time

The health risks of poor air quality are known. But it’s always been costly to set up monitoring stations to measure it regularly.
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Condoms are still the only protection against STIs like syphilis

This article, written by Lillian Roberts, is part of an African Alliance series celebrating 25 years of the inner condom in South Africa and the people who helped to establish the world’s biggest state-funded inner condom project. Dr Mags Beksinska, a sexual and reproductive health researcher has worked in the field for almost 20 years. Her research has included clinical and operations studies in the broad area of reproductive health with a focus on barrier methods for dual protection. She has specialised in research on female condoms, also now known as internal/inner condoms and is a member of the UNFPA/WHO Female Condom Technical Review Committee. Beksinska is also involved in the development of international standards and specifications for condoms.  She was an author of the WHO/UNFPA Female Condom Specifications. She is active in global female condom programming and advocacy. She also acts in an advisory role with UNFPA and the

woman holding baby shoes in hands

Navigating Infertility: Alucia Mabunda’s Journey of Resilience and Faith in ‘The Quest for a Child’

The narrative delves into the emotional, physical, and financial challenges she and her husband faced while trying to conceive. Despite their dedication, the strain of fertility treatments, geographical separation, and societal pressures took a significant toll on their lives.

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