Making the most of life
When life is limited, the quality of life comes into sharp focus. Hospice and palliative care centres in South Africa bring a wealth of experience to enrich life, as well as to help patients die with dignity.
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Testing times
Living with AIDS #197
Traditionally, the global A,B,C strategy for HIV prevention has been accompanied by a plea for people to attend voluntary counselling and testing services so that they can know their status. Now, as treatment for AIDS becomes more widely available, the policy seems to be shifting to what is known as "routine testing" for HIV.
Living with AIDS #197
Nokwanda’€™s Journey (4)
The conclusion of our four-part series tracking the last four years of the 27-year-old HIV positive mother'€™s life. In this instalment, writer Susan Winters, spends time with Nokwanda'€™s family after her death.
Western Cape starts spending AIDS money
The Western Cape celebrated the arrival of the first portion of the R430-m from the Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria. Health-e was there when the champagne corks popped.
Adoption ‘€“ how it works
A summary of the labyrinthian world of social welfare services and the options that exist for abandoned children or those offered up for adoption.
Falling through the bureaucratic cracks
Abandoned and orphaned children are languishing in South African institutions while bureaucrats take up to two years to decide whether they can be adopted.
Nokwanda’s Journey (3)
Part three in our four-part series tracking the life and death of Nokwanda, an Eastern Cape mother of four. In this instalment Nokwanda slowly begins to let go of her life as her caregivers sing her soul to rest.
Men can change
Living with AIDS # 194
For the AIDS epidemic to continue growing unabated it takes a few good men to do nothing. With this in mind, programmes by men and for men are now in place to raise awareness among men about their role in the spread of HIV and to advise them on how they can change.
Living with AIDS # 194
Nokwanda’s Journey (2)
Part two in our series on the life and death of Nokwanda, a 27-year-old Eastern Cape mother of four. Writer Susan Winters spent four years with Nokwanda and her family as she faced death from HIV-related illnesses.
W.Cape plots HIV rates by district
Despite the overall low levels of HIV prevalence in the Western Cape, some urban areas within the province have HIV prevalence rates of almost 30 percent.
Fighting FAS together
The effort to prevent Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in South Africa and elsewhere requires strong partnerships among government, non-governmental organizations and communities.
Abstain – for baby’s sake
South Africa has one of the highest rates in the world of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome - a condition that retards growth and can cause permanent brain damage to unborn babies. Prevention is simple - pregnant mothers should avoid alcohol.
Hospice’s holistic approachLiving with AIDS #192
When it comes to HIV/AIDS in South Africa there is no shortage of heartbreaking stories. But there are also many life-affirming testimonies about remarkable people making a difference. Among these are the staff and volunteers of Hospice in 60 branches around the country who offer holistic care not only to patients sick with AIDS, but to their families as well.
MSF’€™s Dr Herman Reuter honoured
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) doctor Herman Reuter has been presented with the Pierre Jacque Rural Doctor of the Year Award for his tireless work in Lusikisiki.
One in four pregnant women HIV positive
Government'€™s long-awaited antenatal survey,
a measure of the maturity of the country'€™s HIV epidemic, was released
this week. Although there was no statistically significant increase, the rates
remain high.