Heroin trade prospers in plain sight
The “thriving” heroin trade, estimated to be worth billions on rands, is being worsened by outdated drug policies and the neglect of marginalised communities.
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Health screening hotspot identified
John Phati (42) from Tembisa gets tested for HIV at least twice a year because he doesn’t like using condoms even though he has multiple sexual partners.
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MSF: Secret medicine prices cost lives
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is calling upon governments to put an end to the secrecy that rules in the field of pharmaceutical products when they meet this week at the World Health Organisation Fair Pricing Forum to discuss access to essential medicines.
Read More » MSF: Secret medicine prices cost lives
Blind Rivoni learners close roads in protest
LIMPOPO: Blind learners from Rivoni School for the Blind have blocked several roads leading to Elim Hospital to protest for better accommodation and classrooms.
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Urban-rural inequalities will hamper a successful NHI
Rural areas bear the brunt of healthcare worker shortages and this inequality needs to be solved, before any form of National Health Insurance (NHI) is possible.
Read More » Urban-rural inequalities will hamper a successful NHI
Bad diagnosis scars toddler
Five-year-old Shantel* is covered with eczema scars and has lived in isolation almost her life with a condition that could have been prevented if her local clinic had made the correct diagnosis when she was few months old.
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World Health Day: Healers face burnout
In just three months at least three South African anaesthesiologists have taken their lives, reported the South African Society of Anaesthesiologist’s (SASA) Natalie Zimmelman who said the profession was facing a mental health crisis.
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Male contraceptive pill? Maybe not!
A male contraceptive pill recently passed its first safety test – but South Africans are unsure about whether they would ever use it, with some men fearing that it might permanently affect their sperm production.
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World pays tribute to unsung Community Health Workers
Nicolyn Mohale (45) was called to a home in a Limpopo village to attend to an emergency in the middle of the night.
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Government urged to prioritise mental health
Mental health centres are struggling to feed their patients because a large chunk of their budgets goes towards rent.
Read More » Government urged to prioritise mental health
Autism: Why aren’t we aware?
Early diagnosis, research and education are the top priorities for South Africa this World Autism Day (2 April). Many are unaware of the condition, despite it affecting up to 2% of people on the planet.
Read More » Autism: Why aren’t we aware?Autism: Why aren’t we aware?
Early diagnosis, research and education are the top priorities for South Africa this World Autism Day (2 April). Many are unaware of the condition, despite it affecting up to 2% of people on the planet.
Read More » Autism: Why aren’t we aware?
Sugary drinks tax turns one — amid opposition
The tax on sugary drinks has raised almost R3 billion. Coca-Cola says it has reduced the sugar levels of its drinks range by more than a quarter, irritating those who said the levy wouldn’t cut sugar consumption. But is the profit being used for health promotion? Could political parties rally against it after the election?
Read More » Sugary drinks tax turns one — amid oppositionSugary drinks tax turns one — amid opposition
The tax on sugary drinks has raised almost R3 billion. Coca-Cola says it has reduced the sugar levels of its drinks range by more than a quarter, irritating those who said the levy wouldn’t cut sugar consumption. But is the profit being used for health promotion? Could political parties rally against it after the election?
Read More » Sugary drinks tax turns one — amid opposition
Ill woman’s ‘sangoma trauma’
When she was 28, Isabell Gama from Emanyeveni in Mpumalanga thought that the tingling in her feet was due to idlozi; her ancestors were calling her to become a sangoma but she had not answered the call.
Read More » Ill woman’s ‘sangoma trauma’