Violence, alcohol and mental disorders
Violence, alcohol abuse and mental disorders are 'inextricably linked and pose a major public health challenge'.
Women’s Health
Read More » Violence, alcohol and mental disorders
Push to make breast cancer a priority
A historic breakthrough. That's how key stakeholders in breast health in South Africa described a meeting with the Health ministry on March 21, Human Rights Day. By Sue Segar
Breast cancer screening useless in absence of treatment
CAPE TOWN ' Late presentation by breast cancer patients in Africa remains the biggest challenge to reducing death rates, however if there is no accessible treatment there is no use in screening for cancer, experts told a meeting in Cape Town today.
Making girls & women a priority today and every day
OPINION: This International Women's Day, we have much to celebrate. In the past year alone, we have made tremendous strides in women's health and equality: the United Nations adopted a historic resolution to end female genital mutilation; global leaders convened at the London Summit on Family Planning to make US$2.6 billion in new financial pledges and a series of unparalleled policy commitments to family planning; and together, we celebrated the first-ever International Day of the Girl Child. By Jill Sheffield & Fred Sai
Limpopo teen troubled after abortion
VHEMBE. ' A 19-year-old girl from Gumela village in Limpopo thought she was solving her problems by going for an abortion, but was actually causing more problems than she thought.
Organisation fights for women’s rights
MGUNGUNDLOVU. - Challenge for Women is an organisation that empowers girls and women in their daily struggle against abuse.
Girl traumatised after abortion
BETHLEHEM. - A 17-year-old girl from Senekal in the Free State told OurHealth that having an illegal abortion was a 'trauma I will never forget'.
Expanding contraceptive options for South Africa’s women
OPINION: I recently met a young woman named Mercy who had five children and was struggling to make ends meet. She had tried oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, but admitted that she often forgot to take the pill every day. She then tried injectable contraceptives, which required her to visit to the health centre every quarter, but she often did not have enough money for transport. In fact, she became pregnant with her fifth child after missing one injection. By Dr. Bashir Issak
Vhembe clinic thankful for volunteers
VHEMBE. ' A group of women from this community volunteers their time and services at the local Matavhela Clinic without expecting anything in return.
Society Must Act to End All forms of Violence
Media Release: Sonke Gender Justice joins the growing number of South Africans expressing shock and outrage over the horrific gang rape, mutilation, and murder of 17-year old Anene Booysen. 'We send our condolences to her family and to the Bredasdorp community, and call on the authorities to investigate this crime and ensure that the perpetrators are punished to the full extent of the law,' says Sonke's chairperson Sisonke Msimang.
Grannies play soccer to keep fit
Vhembe. ' Grannies from the Mufulwi village in Limpopo are playing soccer to keep fit. This group of women aged between 50 and 75 years call themselves "Nyonyoloso ya vhaaluwa", which means 'excercise for elders'.
No stop to HIV infections unless gender violence addressed
Cape Town ' Zero HIV infection rates will never be achieved unless tackling gender-based violence is part of addressing the epidemic, an expert told
HIV specialists, researchers and nurses, meeting at the first Southern African HIV Clinicians Society conference.
Miracle baby for cancer patient
It is a handsome, energised young couple that meet me at a coffee shop in Claremont, Cape Town. Lee-Anne (28) orders an apple juice - she's careful of what she eats and drinks because she's 11 weeks pregnant. Ashton (27), orders the same, subtly encouraging his wife's dedication to her own health, and that of their child.
Challenges of breastfeeding
Despite knowing the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a child's life, many new mothers often encounter challenges that prevent them from breast-feeding.
Surviving arthritis
About seven million South Africans suffer from some form of arthritis, with roughly three percent having a systemic and inflammatory form which affects more than the joints. This week, Health-e News Service visited Matilda Nkosi, a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer.