
SADC joins forces to end TB in mines
Heads of states from Southern African have signed a declaration to tackle TB in the mining sector, that should see ex-miners and their families being followed up for treatment.

Heads of states from Southern African have signed a declaration to tackle TB in the mining sector, that should see ex-miners and their families being followed up for treatment.

A compound that has the potential to cure malaria in a single dose has been discovered by researchers from the Universityof Cape Town (UCT).

The economic and social burden of cancer is expected to increase dramatically if governments do not take action now.

The United States Court of Appeals has barred the US government from ordering tobacco companies to put large graphic health warnings on cigarette packages.
OPINION: On 28 August, the Constitutional Court will hear a case that touches the depth of what it means to be human and humane in the throes of a TB pandemic that is taking more South African lives than any other cause.

Seven out of every ten sex workers have been abused by police officials. A survey done by the Women's Legal Centre, shows that sex workers report having been threatened with arrest or forced to sleep with police officials in exchange for their freedom.

The specific ingredient in smokeless tobacco products that increases the risk for oral cancer has been identified in research using rodents.

Childhood cancer survivors who underwent radiotherapy treatment that exposed their pancreas to radiation may be at higher risk of developing diabetes in later life, according to an article published in The Lancet Oncology.

Exposure to secondhand smoke decreases sensitivity to cough-eliciting respiratory irritants in otherwise healthy children and adolescents, new research reveals.

The babies of breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy while pregnant do not appear to be at higher risk of complications, according to an article published in The Lancet Oncology.
Although new research illustrates alarming trends in tobacco use in many parts of the world local experts believe that South Africa's tobacco legislation has been effective.

In South Africa about 4 300 women die due to complications related to pregnancy and child birth. About 20 000 infants are still-born and a further 23 000 die in the first month of life. In addition 75 000 children never live to reach the age of five. What are the causes for this?

The ruling this week by Australia's high court to uphold its government's right to introduce 'plain packaging' for tobacco products is a landmark event for global health. With the world's eyes watching this decision, the court struck down a challenge from the biggest cigarette manufacturers around the globe.By John R. Seffrin.

In a landmark ruling, which could potentially strengthen the move to similar legislation in South Africa, the Australian high court dismissed the tobacco industry's challenge to the 'plain packaging law'.
The Treatment Action Campaign and Médecins Sans Frontières are calling on government to included fixed dose combination drugs in the new antiretroviral tender. This demand is not new, but for a long time the Medicines Control Council failed to register these drugs making them unavailable for inclusion in the tender. Several FDCs have now been registered. Read the TAC/MSF statement here.