Codeine: SA’s over-the-counter addiction
It is destroying her life, but a Free State mother won’t give up her ‘bronco’ cough mixture.
Our Health
OurHealth is Health-e’s network of community journalists based in rural villages and townships across South Africa. We bring you grassroots reporting from the people who cover the communities they live in.
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Nurses making a difference: Breipaal Clinic
Returning to her life purpose later in life has turned into a blessing, not only for Nurse Maria van Bergen, but also for the many lives she touches at the Breipaal Clinic in Douglas, Northern Cape. The clinic, small and…
Jouberton sewage spills making children sick
Two women from Jouberton in the North West claim inhaling fumes from sewage that frequently spills onto their street has compromised their children’s health.
‘His erection is just not on:’ Erectile dysfunction threatens to tear couple apart
When Khensane met Craig* it was love at first sight and the couple soon became engaged, unwillingness to talk about what's going on between the sheets threatens to destroy their happy union even before they walk down the isle.
HIV status was ‘was our secret to keep & tell’
Njabulo Sibande* was born with HIV. His parents had been planning to tell the teenager until an aunt beat them to it. Njabulo’s parents say the unplanned disclosure has left the teen reeling.
Free State woman motivates others to live postively
A young HIV-positive woman from the Free State is turning life’s lemons into lemonade, and inspiring others to live a positive life.
Childhood game fuels 30-year addiction
On World No Tobacco Day, Emson Bohitile Koiko reflects how a childhood game turned into a 30-year addiction to cigarretes.
Drinking, smoking and diabetes don’t mix
Being diagnosed with diabetes is the beginning of a lot of changes to the way you eat, what you drink and some of those bad habits. In a hard-drinking country like South Africa, putting down the bottle may be one of the toughest challenges for people living with diabetes.
Marikana residents could stay, receive services
Residents of Marikana informal settlement outside Pretoria say they have languished for years without water, electricity or rubbish removal services. As a court case continues that may lead to residents’ removal, there may be a way for the community to stay.
Cleaner busted for allegedly stealing, selling ARVs
A cleaner at Soweto’s Diepkloof Clinic has been arrested for allegedly stealing and selling antiretrovirals (ARVs) and other medicines following community tip offs.
Prison’s long shadow: Stigma haunts former convicts
The suicide of an ex-prisoner, who was allegedly stigmatised in his community because of his conviction, has left his mother reeling. A Northern Cape social worker has now called on communities to stop discriminating against those who have served their time for their crimes.
‘You’re fat’ doctors wrongly tell mother with post-pregnancy hernia
A mother of five in Limpopo alleges she has been sent from pillar to post for almost three years in her desperate attempt to get her hernia properly treated.
Gogo shares secrets to long life
Lucy Mahlangu is 100 years old and credits a life lived free of alcohol and cigarettes for her longevity.
Coping with childhood eczema
Thabitha Rakoma spent months trying to cure the dry patches of skin on her baby boy’s face until her local clinic diagnosed the problem.
Food activists threaten to boycott business, media
Representatives from more than 20 organisations including farmers’ cooperatives, waste pickers associations and unions recently marched to Times Media Group and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) offices to protest fast food advertising and high food prices.