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“Years of dental neglect have caused my teeth to fall out”

Health Systems, News, Our Health

While dental services at government health facilities are free, the fact that they are limited, many poor people in rural communities are unable to make use of them or are not aware of them. It’s an issue that is receiving some attention as September is oral hygiene month.

cynthiamaseko
September 27, 2016

Global plan to fight superbugs

Health Systems

Pneumonia, gonorrhoea and urinary tract infections that no longer respond to antibiotics are fast becoming a reality worldwide.

kerrycullinan
September 26, 2016

How the loss of an arm led to a new life

News

For teenager Lerato Mofokeng, while losing her arm was a traumatic experience, it has turned her into a brave speaker who now inspires other children with disabilities to overcome their own challenges.

Bontle Motsoeneng
September 23, 2016

Community clinic closed after being vandalised

Health Systems, News, Our Health

The Wrenchville community clinic, situated about 5kms outside Kuruman in the Nothern Cape, has been badly vandalised by angry community members who stoned the facility and burnt down the community hall and library.

mpholekgetho
September 21, 2016

Nyaope’s deadly grip on Orange Farm

Health, Our Health

Orange Farm - a relatively young township situated about 45 kilometres south of Joburg - is under siege by nyaope addicts, with residents afraid to leave their homes in case they are burgled.

LindiweMsibi
September 20, 2016

Hospital strike spreads in Free State

Health Systems, News

A week after workers at the Monapo Hospital in Phuthaditjhaba, in Qwa Qwa in the Free State began their strike, healthworkers at other hospitals are joining the action – in a crisis that is set to bring the healthcare sector in the province to its knees.

Bontle Motsoeneng
September 19, 2016

Dead psychiatric patient was ‘well’ before being moved

Health, Mental Health, News

The brother of a deceased mentally-ill patient says he was healthy before being moved from a Life Esidimeni facility.

Amy Green
September 16, 2016

An agonising choice: go deaf or die!

Health Systems, News, Our Health

Like other Multi Drug Resistant TB patients, Linah Choene (23) faced a terrible decision: either give up her treatment and die, or continue with it and go deaf.

jamesthabo
September 16, 2016
2 Comments

Free State hospital hard hit by strike action

Health Systems, News

An ongoing strike at Monapo Hospital in Qwa Qwa in the Free State is not only set to continue, but other hospitals in the area are now threatening to join the action.

Bontle Motsoeneng
September 15, 2016

Breastfeeding’s protections last into old age

Health, Women's Health

Recent research suggests that breast milk can protect newborns from developing obesity and diabetes later in life.

Amy Green
September 15, 2016

Bolata Clinic now operating for 24 hours, a blessing to the community.

News

Residents of the Qwaqwa Maluti-A-Phofung area in Witsieshoek in the Free State are thrilled that their local Bolata Clinic has been upgraded to a 24-hour facility.

Bontle Motsoeneng
September 14, 2016
1 Comment

The battle over ‘healthy’ food

Health

There is a huge global battle – often covert - over what constitutes healthy food. But civil society organisations in countries like Mexico are taking on the propaganda of ‘Big Food’ – and winning.

kerrycullinan
September 12, 2016

HIV counsellor arrested for stealing ARV’s from clinic

Health Systems, News, Our Health

A lay counsellor working for the Department of Health at the Kanyamazane Clinic outside Nelspruit in Mpumalanga appeared in court this week on allegations of stealing medication from the clinic.

cynthiamaseko
September 8, 2016

System fails women desperate for safety

Gender Based Violence, Health, Women's Health

Domestic violence survivors rely on shelters to help leave life threatening relationships - and navigate the obstacles of the criminal justice system.