SA fails to prevent maternal deaths
South Africa's high maternal mortality rate is mostly attributable to preventable causes, according to the 2010 South African Health Review (SAHR).
Health Systems
Read More » SA fails to prevent maternal deaths
SA’s babies malnourished when they die
At least a third of South African children who died in 2007 were severely malnourished and a further 30% were underweight for age while on average over half were known or suspected to be HIV infected.
The plight of community health workers Living with AIDS # 459
A cadre of about 65 000 men and women work in the public health sector under various titles. Commonly known as community health workers, they are often the foot soldiers and the eyes and ears of the health department at grass-roots level. But there are concerns that this cadre of health workers is not appropriately recognised ' both in terms of payment and the development of further career prospects.
MSM study shows great HIV prevention promise
Taking a single antiretroviral (ARV) drug every day almost halves the chances of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), a groundbreaking international study which also took place in South Africa, has found.
UNAIDS pushes simpler treatment plan
UNAIDS is promoting a new approach to HIV treatment, which it estimates could save 10 million more lives than conventional approaches over the next 15 years.
Infrastructure millions unspent
The Health Department has returned a whopping R813 million to the Treasury's coffers after failing to spend the money on much-needed infrastructure such as new clinics and hospitals and rejuvenating collapsed infrastructure.
HIV rate stabilizes in pregnant women
Although the HIV prevalence rate for pregnant women has been virtually the same over the past four years at 29.2%, this was still a 'high and unacceptable' level.
Treat pneumonia or no MDG
BERLIN ' Unless South Africa takes action to prevent and rapidly treat childhood pneumonia ' the biggest killer of children under five in developing countries ' reducing infant mortality and reaching Millennium Development Goal 4 will remain a pipedream.
TAC tackles the Tara Klamp
The Treatment Action Campaign has published a four part series on what they call 'a massive unethical medical intervention' in Kwazulu-Natal.
Quality health ‘long overdue’
Civil society groups say access to quality health care for all has been delayed for far too long. They say with the proposed National Health Insurance, the majority of the poor can receive the quality health service that they deserve.
KZN’s turnaround plan cuts overspending and fraud
KwaZulu-Natal's health department is set to remain within its budget this year for the first time in more than a decade ' thanks to a high level turnaround plan.
NHI: To prevent rather than cure disease
At the heart of the National Health Insurance system is the desire to afford all South Africans access to better quality health care. The system seeks to move from the current health care model and employ one which will be based on the system of primary health care.
Govt’s responsibility in AIDS funding Living with AIDS # 454
As the donor community retreats from funding AIDS programmes in developing nations, donor-aided countries are being forced to dig deeper into their own pockets to sustain care and treatment services for its citizens. South Africa is no exception.
Better management of hospitals crucial for NHI
The Junior Doctors Association of South Africa (JUDASA) argues that the ills that afflict the country's public health system are largely the result of poor management. With the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, the quality of people appointed to manage hospitals will determine the success or failure of the system.
The real health deal
Health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will today sign the 'real deal' with nine provincial health MECs and eight ministers, giving South Africans a shot at 'a long and healthy life'.