Experts say the disruptions caused by consistent power outages are forcing South Africans to consume more unhealthy foods putting them at higher risk of hypertension. In South Africa, more than 1 in 3 adults live with hypertension. An unhealthy diet,…
South Africa is in the midst of a mumps outbreak for the first time in over two decades, with over 1322 positive cases reported. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases(NICD) says Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng recorded the majority of cases.…
In 2022, there was a resurgence of influenza activity, following the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) is unable to say what the flu trend will look like this winter. However, a prevalence in cases is…
South Africa is experiencing a rise in malaria cases in the endemic provinces and Gauteng. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases says there have been a number of severe cases due to late detection. “Undiagnosed and untreated malaria rapidly progresses…
Disease experts warn it is critically important that South Africans get their Covid-19 vaccines, especially immunocompromised people. This comes after the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 is no longer a global public health emergency. Professor Cheryl Cohen, Head of the…
Decreasing investment in maternal and newborn health has stalled global progress in reducing deaths of pregnant women, mothers and babies since 2015. According to a new by the United Nations over 4.5 million women and babies die every year during…
Vaccines have been one of the greatest medical achievements of our time, saving countless lives and preventing the spread of deadly diseases. However, despite the benefits of immunisation, many children around the world are still not being vaccinated, which can…
As South Africa continues to experiences daily load shedding, the potential health risks associated with power cuts are at the forefront of people’s minds. With concerns about food safety mounting, experts are warning that consuming food stored in the fridge…
Autism South Africa (A;SA) says that there are massive service delivery gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The limited data collection on the prevalence of autism in the country and research on it is…
The dapivirine vaginal ring will soon be available to women and young girls at limited pilot sites from June. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved its use by women ages 18 and older to reduce their…
The number of laboratory confirmed whooping cough (pertussis) cases in South Africa has risen dramatically, with cases doubling in just a few weeks. In December the National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported a total of 408 cases countrywide, with…
Written by Salim Abdool Karim, Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) About 38 million people around the world are living with HIV. About 70% of them live in Africa. This shows that there is no…
As the number of measles cases continues to rise, a national vaccine drive targeting the disease has started earlier in the five provinces battling the outbreak. The health ministry had initially planned to roll out the national vaccine campaign next…
In an interview with Health-e News, South African infectious disease expert Professor Salim Abdool Karim said current vaccines continue to offer protection against the COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5, known as Kraken. Increasing vaccine coverage Karim said what was important was…
 Over one year since the Mtengwane and Swanepoel families called on South Africans to register to become stem cell donors, only one of the two families had their prayers answered. The other family is still clinging to hope. Bomikazi…
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