Free State

COVID-19 vaccine: Youngsters torn as conspiracies abound

Health

While many young people in the Free State are keen to get the COVID-19 vaccine, some are adamant that the jab is harmful and part of a state-sponsored conspiracy to alter people’s DNA. Health-e News spoke to a few youngsters after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last Sunday evening that the national COVID-19 vaccine rollout will open for 18 to 34 year olds from 1 September.

Molefi Sompane and Molefi Sompane
July 30, 2021

Botshabelo residents are crying out for increased COVID-19 vaccine access

Botshabelo residents cry out for COVID-19 vaccines at clinics

Health

Community members in the Botshabelo district in the Free State are urging health authorities to extend the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to local clinics. They claim the hospital currently identified as the main vaccination site isn’t coping with the influx of people.

Molefi Sompane
July 30, 2021

Free State Grade R Teachers Maternity Leave

Choosing between a baby and a stipend—breastfeeding teachers cut maternity leave to save jobs

News

Grade-R teachers in the Free State are foregoing their maternity leave, for fear of losing their jobs. The women say they are forced to leave their new-born babies to earn a stipend.

Teboho
November 26, 2020

Taxi drivers refuse to get COVID-19 vaccine.

Free State taxi passengers ignoring Covid-19 precautions, say drivers

Health

Despite national regulations for public transport, taxi passengers in the Free State are refusing to wear masks and sanitise their hands. The taxi association in Botshabelo is calling on passengers to adhere to regulations as Covid-19 infections continue in the province.

Teboho
November 25, 2020

‘I don’t like the life am leading now’ – a mental health and drug awareness campaign highlights the struggles of a Free State town

Mental Health

The Free State Department of Health held a campaign in Warden to highlight mental health issues and the challenges of substance abuse. Community members attending the event shared their struggles.

Bontle Motsoeneng
November 11, 2020

Beating denial: Learning to live with HIV

Health, Women's Health

Today marks the second anniversary of this young woman's positive HIV test - a two-year journey of highs and lows.

Bontle Motsoeneng
December 1, 2016

Military ambitions crushed by HIV diagnosis

Health

The need to do constant rigorous exercise is one reason the South African Defence Force does not employ people living with HIV, dashing the hopes of this Free State man.

Bontle Motsoeneng
December 1, 2016

HIV won’t take away my smile

Health, Mental Health, Women's Health

Accepting a positive HIV status can be difficult: One Free State woman shares her journey.

Bontle Motsoeneng
December 1, 2016

Statement: Intimidation & death threats of Free State health activists must end

Health

On 11 February, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) issued a statement regarding alleged death threats received by Free State health activists following recent civil society reports.

healthe
February 11, 2014

Health workers discuss “new sex culture”

Health, Our Health

Bethlehem – Community based organisations in Bethlehem and surrounding areas held a one-day discussion on the Multiple Concurrent Partners (MCP) at Mphohadi Clinic.

mathildasmous
August 27, 2013

Mothers struggle as ECD centre closed

Our Health

Kestell – The Geduld community, home to 18 impoverished families, recently saw a much needed early childhood development centre closed down.

Mathilda Smous
July 5, 2013

Critical water issues in Geduld

Our Health

Kestell – The farming community between Harrismith and Kestell are facing massive challenges in accessing safe water and is forced to get it from a nearby stream which is not safe for drinking.

Mathilda Smous
July 5, 2013

Patients fear for their health after ARV shortage

Health, Health Systems, Our Health

BLOEMFONTEIN ' While the rest of the country is celebrating the roll-out of a new HIV treatment, the Gabriel Dichabe Clinic has run out of antiretroviral tablets.

mathildasmous
April 19, 2013

Free State community unhappy with service at mobile clinic

Health Systems, Our Health

BETHLEHEM. ' Poor, marginalised communities in the rural area near this Free State town have been unhappy with the health services they have been receiving from a mobile unit from the Bethlehem Clinic. Patients' complaints range from unreliability of the service to reduced amount of medication being dispensed.

mathildasmous
March 28, 2013

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