President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the opening of a new vaccine plant in Cape Town as Africa’s ticket into a new era of health science during its launch earlier today. South African-born health technologies billionaire, Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong, joined Ramaphosa as…
A study, released today, has provided the first global evidence that two COVID-19 doses, followed by a booster, may not provide sufficient protection against being infected with the Omicron variant. South African and German scientists conducted the study when the…
It’s official – Gauteng, the former epicentre of South Africa’s Omicron variant driven surge in cases last November – has exited the fourth wave. But, Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, who announced the news while updating the country on government’s latest…
We have been living with the coronavirus for almost two years and already there is talk of a possible fifth wave in South Africa. As we learn to live with COVID-19, masks remain a vital preventative method in managing the…
While the rest of the world struggles to contain the spread of the Omicron variant – back home – the dreaded fourth wave came and went and South Africans could breathe a little easier. Lockdown restrictions were eased indicating a…
A study has revealed that COVID-19 infection is more likely to cause cardiac arrest or heart problems – as opposed to vaccinations. The study, triggered by reports of numerous suspected cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination, was conducted in…
The devastating impact of COVID-19 has underscored that medical aid membership is not an optional “nice to have”. The slow pace towards the finalisation and implementation of the proposed government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) means that for the foreseeable future,…
As COVID-19 cases continue to soar in South Africa, a two-time survivor has urged his fellow citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will prevent severe symptoms, possible hospitalisation and even death. The country recorded another 15 424…
Antimicrobial resistance has been named one of the top ten global public health threats to humanity according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It has been estimated that by 2050, ten million deaths per annum could occur as a result…
The impetus for vaccine uptake in South Africa, whilst on the uptick this week, has been slowly dwindling over the last few months. With summer upon us and people moving back to pre-pandemic habits, we have noticed a steady decline…
Free State Health MEC, Montsheng Tsiu, and Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula hopes holidaymakers will make use of COVID-19 vaccination stations placed on four of South Africa’s national roads. Mbalula launched the holiday road safety campaign this week using the…
Discovery Health has released its research on the effectiveness of two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation by the Omicron variant. The study was carried out by Discovery Health’s actuarial team in collaboration with scientists at the South…
Scores of patients seeking treatment at Free State clinics have been sent home due to rising COVID-19 infections among health workers. Several facilities are temporarily closed and Bloemfontein residents have either been turned away or referred to other facilities without…
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the alarming prevalence of mental, neurological and psychosocial disorders and the importance of giving them appropriate attention, especially for medical professionals. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression,…
The Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation, convened a multi-stakeholder forum yesterday as South Africa prepares to lead Africa’s COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing drive through its mRNA technology transfer hub. These exciting developments come at…