OurHealth is a project that trains and supports local activists and aspiring health journalists. Our citizen journalists (CJs) live in rural and poorly-covered areas in South Africa, and report on health issues affecting their communities.
A number of Early Childhood Development (ECD) workers feel abandoned by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), with no prospects of permanent employment. Their discontent follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that as from 1 April this year, ECD functions are…
eThekwini residents have resorted to using dirty water from local streams following last week’s devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal. Water infrastructures and roads were severely damaged, forcing community members to scrounge for anything they can get their hands on. Although water…
Young boys and men are looking forward to participating in the ritual of becoming a ‘real man’ after cultural circumcisions were given the green light to resume in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This follows a two-year ban due to COVID-19. Koketso…
The days of waiting in long queues for medication are over following the launch of Collect & Go smart lockers. These medication dispensary containers work similarly to ATMs, ensuring your next collection will be fast and fuss-free. Right ePharmacy introduced…
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…
While the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) prepares to probe the ongoing Limpopo Department of Health fiasco, healthcare workers have hung out even more dirty washing, describing their inhumane working conditions. They are faced with several hurdles daily including overcrowding, staff…
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…
A Free State family has vowed to seek justice after their baby granddaughter died, due to alleged medical negligence, at a local hospital. Seventeen and eight months pregnant, the young mom-to-be was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her baby girl.…
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…
Although welcomed, the recent increases in the minimum wage for domestic workers do not translate into better health outcomes or a less stressful life for these women. Many have to weigh visits to health facilities or time to buy medicine…
The Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA) is fighting to include health in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential Climate Commission (PCC). According to the PCC, its mission is to oversee and facilitate a just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions…
An expert believes that South Africa’s low rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) will remain a concern until new mothers are offered more support and education. Katinka Lategan, a certified lactation consultant, said mothers face several challenges because they are not…
Two of the Free State’s biggest hospitals have postponed some surgeries as Bloemfontein’s water shortage enters its second week. The Universitas and Pelonomi Hospitals are making do with water rations following the immediate cut of water supply from their reservoirs…
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