Family finds relative’s decomposing body after mortuary malfunction at Mahikeng hospital
The body of a 60-year-old patient was stored in a malfunctioning mortuary. The provincial department has launched an investigation into the incident.
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Read More » Family finds relative’s decomposing body after mortuary malfunction at Mahikeng hospital
Itsoseng community welcome judge’s decision to deny bail to alleged child rapist
A man accused of raping three girls was denied bail in the North West’s Ditsobotla Magistrates Court. The 54-year-old man has terrorised the Itsoseng community before, earning the name the ‘Axe Man.’
An injection to prevent HIV in women is a “game-changer” say researchers
A new study shows that a long-acting injection is 89% more effective than oral PrEP medication in preventing HIV in women. Hailed as a game-changer, the study could prevent stigma and increase adherence to treatment.
WHO and Unicef call for emergency aid as Covid-19 disrupts immunisation
The World Health Organisation and UN agency Unicef fear that the world could see resurgence of measles and polio if immunisation programmes are disrupted.
South Africa target aims for zero malaria infections in 2023
6 November is Malaria Day in southern Africa. South Africa, along with the South African Development Community, pledged to eliminate malaria transmission by 2023 by stepping up community efforts.
Lockdown and Covid-19 risk affected Soweto residents’ mental health, study shows
A new study shows the mental toll of the Covid-19 pandemic. Residents in Soweto displayed symptoms of depression, directly linked to their perception of risk to contracting the coronavirus.
Fed up with risk and low salaries, Community Health Workers to strike for job security
An estimated 55,000 Community Health Workers put their lives on the line each day to ensure healthcare access to the communities they live and work in nationwide. Earning as little as R800, these workers are demanding that the government absorb them into the National Health Department, writes Jamaine Krige.
MEC apologises, vows to investigate Brits District Hospital after video of patients sleeping on floor
A video of patients sleeping on the floor at Brits District Hospital revealed the challenges at the hospital. Provincial authorities have now stepped in with the MEC apologising to patients as he calls for changes.
A possible second-wave of Covid-19 infections will not disrupt school nutrition programme, says education department
The Department of Basic Education is ensuring learners and their guardians that the National School Nutrition Programme will not be disrupted if Covid-19 infections rise. Civil society organisations say that the programme is still dogged by challenges, in part due to staggered timetables.
South African generic drug producer Aspen signs Covid-19 vaccine deal
South African drug producer, Aspen Pharmacare, has signed a deal with global pharma giant Johnson&Johnson to produce a Covid-19 vaccine once it’s available.
The Covid-19 pandemic could not derail the Phelophepa Health Train as it arrives at a new stop
The Phelophepa Health train has brought hope and primary health services to rural and indigent communities around the country for 26 years. The Covid-19 pandemic did not halt its journey, instead bringing the train to a new station, writes Jamaine Krige.
A new comic strip helps learners navigate Covid-19, including learners with special needs
A new comic will help learners navigate everyday life during the Covid-19 pandemic and understand critical public health messages. The comic book also emphasises the needs of children with special needs.
Five things the mid-term budget tells us about the healthcare system
While Covid-19 has affected the economy, the pandemic has also presented important lessons. These are the key takeaways for the health sector.
President Cyril Ramaphosa goes into Covid-19 self-quarantine
The president came into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. He is not displaying any symptoms and will continue his duties in quarantine.
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.