A new strawberry-flavoured HIV treatment for children could improve adherence
A new paediatric antiretroviral uses a fixed-dose treatment and child-friendly flavours to help parents administering HIV treatment to their children.
New long-acting injectable drug might soon be a key HIV treatment
American scientists have developed an injectable drug that blocks HIV from entering cells. They say the new drug potentially offers long-lasting protection with fewer side effects and could eventually replace drug ‘cocktail’ therapies.
Gauteng health facilities face shortages of crucial medication
Patients on chronic treatment left stranded as facilities in Gauteng face shortage of essential medicine.
SA’s shady food industry tactics puts ‘profit before people’
Researchers looking into the influence of the food and beverage industry on South Africa’s policy-making state that “increased transparency, disclosure, and awareness of industry strategies,” is needed to stop undue influence on the country’s public health programmes and policies.
South Africans support Health Promotion Levy after successful mass media campaign
Public backing for government interventions to combat South Africa’s obesity epidemic increased significantly during the period where a national mass media campaign aired, according to Healthy Living Alliance, Health-e News Service, Vital Strategies and other organisations spearheading the campaign.
Come rain or shine, taxi windows must be open
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that domestically travelling taxis may be filled to 100% capacity, with the South African Medical Association warning that spending 20 minutes or more in a poorly ventilated taxi will increase one’s chances of contracting Covid-19.
#AidsVirtual2020: Health disparities and Covid-19
Systemic racism has left people of colour exposed and unprotected against global health threats such as HIV for decades. These inequities are magnified by the disparity seen in Covid-19 health outcomes.
#CoronavirusSA: Allegations of expired food and poor hygiene at Nasrec quarantine site
Covid-19 patients quarantined at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg allege that the catering company has provided them with expired food, which they say, “makes their [health] situation worse.”
#LockdownSA: Looming food emergency due to structural inequalities
The nutrition challenges facing South Africa are complex and underpinned by historical and current inequalities, while undernutrition coexists with the rising incidence of obesity and non-communicable diseases, say experts.
SA ‘can’t afford’ to default on three-in-one HIV pill
The fragile gains made in HIV-testing and antiretroviral regimens may be undone by the unintended consequences of the national Covid-19 lockdown says SANAC Civil Society Forum.
What’s in your food?
Research shows that in South Africa obesity and overweight rates are climbing, and one way of curbing this may be front of label packaging.
Netcare Milpark Hospital closes theatre complex due to Covid-19
The temporary theatre closure comes after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19 but it will be open next week Monday after a thorough disinfection process.
Blood shortage fears as lockdown continues
Public health authorities and blood services are concerned with decreasing blood donations, which will have adverse effects on medical services that require transfusions.
More than six million new TB cases worldwide by 2025 warns report
Whilst global and national attention is focussed on one respiratory illness – Covid-19 – tuberculosis (TB) treatment and testing is falling to the wayside. Some health professionals say that TB testing needs to be linked to Covid-19 testing to remedy this.
#CoronavirusSA: Black plastics can be used as PPE, says Gauteng health
The Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) says it is worried about their members working at Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) who are wearing black plastics as Covid-19 protective gear.