Living and dying in SA
The health indicators, which provide a snapshot of our nation's health, still paint a picture of a violent, racially divided country where women bear the brunt of disease.
Women’s Health
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New PMTCT protocol in two weeks
Government has committed itself to announcing a new protocol for the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programme within the next two weeks.
Microbicide hope Living with AIDS # 331
Results from the first ever microbocide trial to go through all phases of research are due to be released early next year. A microbicide is a substance that can be inserted vaginally or anally with the aim of protecting its users from HIV infection.
Africans meet to discuss cancer
One of the biggest killers in Africa, but often overlooked in the age of AIDS, cancer will be the focus this week when experts gather for the 6th International Congress of African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) meeting in Cape Town.
Israeli docs help Swaziland to circumcise
Israeli doctors will be traveling to Swaziland for two week stints to assist in a mass circumcision campaign in the hope of curbing the spread of HIV. This and other stories are contained in the latest Centers for Disease Control HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention newsletter.
War diverting money from the real issues
The cost of wars in Africa over the last 15 years could solve the HIV/AIDS crisis, prevent TB and malaria, or provide clean water, sanitation and education for the continent, an Oxfam report has found.
Gates dangles $100-m ‘carrot’ for scientists
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has dangled a U$100-million carrot in front of scientists, especially those in Africa and Asia, who may have 'creative, unorthodox ideas' that could lead to breakthroughs against some of the greatest health challenges facing poor countries.
Mentor mums for pregnant HIV+ women
In a first for South Africa, a national PMTCT (Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission) hotline, manned by HIV positive women who are part of the mothers2mothers (m2m) organization, has been launched.
Marie Stopes services continue until February
Marie Stopes has been a granted an interim order allowing it to continue offering termination of pregnancy services in the Western Cape until a dispute with the Western Cape health department comes before the court in February next year.
Western Cape health department targets TOP service
The Cape High Court will today hear an urgent application by Marie Stopes clinics alleging that the actions of the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health have put women's right to access terminations of pregnancy under threat.
The plight of pregnant women in govt hospitals
Although pregnancy is a good thing to most women, delivering the baby, which most women do at public hospitals, could be the most unpleasant experience, according to allegations of ill-treatment that they endure at the hands of nurses in public sector hospitals.
Survey shows decline in HIV among pregnant women
Government has claimed first evidence of a decline in South Africa's HIV/AIDS epidemic after its annual survey among pregnant women showed a 'statistically significant reduction' of HIV prevalence between 2005 and 2006.
Many obstacles to healthcare for rape survivors
Rape survivors are not getting the healthcare they need.
Money as a health intervention
Living with AIDS # 290
A unique programme investigating whether access to money can reduce rural women's vulnerability to HIV, shows that with economic power comes a sense of optimism. Researchers reckon that this leads to better health decisions, reduced health risks and improved gender relations.
Living with AIDS # 290
Doing it for the babies
Mention the Peri-natal HIV Research Unit to anyone working in the scientific and medical fields of AIDS, and the names Glenda Gray and James McIntyre will pop into mind. For many women, the two are the angels that have saved their babies' lives.