A sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa suggests that the fifth wave is imminent. The country’s rate of infection has hit a three-month high, just a week after the Easter weekend. The latest figures reported…
As a possible fifth COVID-19 wave looms, a report has revealed that booster vaccine hesitancy is at a high among South Africans, placing the country’s uptake at a crossroads. The SA Covid and Vaccine Social Listening Report is published weekly…
The National Department of Health is keeping an eye on developments after 23 cases of the new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variants were detected in South Africa earlier this week. Experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) are working with scientists and…
Given that COVID-19 waves are cyclical, Professor Salim Abdool Karim believes that the fifth wave will have features similar to the previous four. This will allow us to draw on our knowledge gained over the last two-and-a-half years. “There has…
A global health advisor believes that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have lost ground as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 two years on. The impact of losing sight of the fight against diseases like tuberculosis and cancers will be felt…
A new survey, known as the ‘Thrive by Five Index’ has revealed that 65% of South African children, aged between four and five, are not able to meet the expected early learning and physical growth standards. Despite being enrolled in…
The National Department of Health has made amendments to the National Health Act to ensure government is equipped to control and manage the resurgence of COVID-19. Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, confirmed that a number of regulations from the disaster…
As the globe marks World Health Day today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that urgent action is needed to keep humans and the planet healthy. It is estimated that more than 13 millions deaths globally each year are…
Many South African households are unable to feed their children nutritious food which has seen a rise in the number of kids living with obesity or stunted growth. Angelika Grimbeek, Nutrition Programme Manager at HEALA, said malnutrition and the availability…
Ending the National State of Disaster does not mean the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, warned Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Tuesday afternoon. Dlamini-Zuma said it just means South Africa has reached a stage where the…
Despite Wilms tumour-a cancer of the kidney that typically occurs in children and very rarely in adults-being the second most common cancer among young children in South Africa, there are several factors that still hinder early diagnosis. Professor Janet…
As the globe marks World Autism Awareness Day today, South Africans living with autism continue to face several obstacles like unemployment, a limited choice of schools, discrimination and a lack of support. Vicky Oettlé, an Educational Specialist at Autism South…
Children can often be reticent when it comes to talking about their feelings. So, one Soweto assistant teacher decided to use the classic ice-cream cone as a tool to get them to open up about their mental health. “I love…
As TB awareness month comes to an end, a researcher has pinpointed why more men are exposed to tuberculosis in South Africa – differences in behaviour and activities are fuelling the huge discrepancy. Dr Lucy Connell, TB programme lead at…
Just over 46,000 people could have been fully vaccinated with the 92,370 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that expire tomorrow. Once expired these vaccines cannot be used and will be destroyed. Health Ministry spokesman Foster Mohale said the expiring…