It’s been just over a year since the first Ritshidze report on the Eastern Cape was published – and during the 12 months, nothing has changed for patients throughout the province. The second edition reveals how poor staff attitudes, long…
It’s hard to imagine a time when “coronavirus” wasn’t a household word. But for a long time, this family of viruses had merited very little attention. Believed to be ubiquitous among animals and avian species, the first coronavirus to infect…
The National Department of Health is keeping a close eye on two provinces where COVID-19 infections have picked up. There’s been a sharp rise in the number of new cases in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. And even though hospitalisations…
Severe period pain is nothing new for 31-year-old Boitumelo Molete. But her pain wasn’t normal and in 2016, she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. “I have always struggled with period pain and the duration of my period. I used to…
South Africa runs the risk of an added barrier to achieving its national goals if it continues to close its eyes to the increasing number of people who are avoidably blind. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors continue to be an…
As the country approaches exam season, school children, especially matriculants, need support to lessen the impact this high-pressure season has on their mental health. Key to this is addressing mental health struggles as early as possible to prevent students’ conditions…
Authorities are concerned by a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape. The Medical Research Council (SAMRC) said in a statement on Tuesday that this is the highest increase since March. The council urged at risk South Africans…
As teenage pregnancies continue to rise, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) need to know which contraceptive – oral or injectable – is best for them. This is despite a shortage of injectable contraceptives in the country, as revealed in…
Almost two-thirds of South Africa’s children are facing their mental health problems alone; avoiding help or treatment when they need it most. And experts believe the only way to address this worrying trend is to become more vigilant about their…
The latest guidelines on managing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) focus on the importance of screening, a shift that has been welcomed by experts. Published by the South African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHIVSOC) last month, the guidelines reflect…
Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke continue to contribute to over 9% of the mortality burden in South Africa. This galvanised the National Department of Health to gazette the Draft Tobacco Products and the Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill…
Free State residents are reaching the end of their tether as they search for water – life’s most basic natural resource. Clinics have also been severely affected while patients scurry to find facilities that aren’t water-stricken. The suburb of Moemaneng…
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination remains the best defence against cancer of the cervix, but immunisation rates remain low in South Africa post pandemic. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women in SA. Dr Seithati Molefi, Deputy…
South African students have been “bracing themselves” through the country’s escalating energy crisis, and they are exhausted and frustrated. This is according to Mmusi Thema, a student at Wits University in Johannesburg. Thema is a member of the Student Representative…
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced that 37 public hospitals will be exempt from load shedding. The minister said the department is in talks with Eskom and local municipalities to increase the number of health facilities that will be…
Be in the know with our free weekly newsletter. We deliver a round-up of our top stories and insightful reads from across the web.