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Stranded: Thomas Nukeri

Xenophobia violates Health Act and migrants’ rights to care

Refugees run the border crossing gauntlet of lions, rivers, rape and theft hoping for a better life.
Dr Llewellyn Volmink grew up in the township of Nkqubela in Robertson and is now a medical doctor working in the local hospital.

The rural doctor who came home to serve his people in their own language

This doctor returned to his home town to live, love and heal.
Intuitive: Josephine Masedi is a self-taught midwife

Allay the dangers of maternity by honouring rural custom

Many women consult traditional healers, so it makes sense to enlist these cultural leaders in public health education.
Caution needed: Dr Carol Benn says if a woman takes hormone replacement therapy for more than five years she risks 'fertilising' cancerous tissue in the breast.

The flush of hormonal success

Replacement therapy for menopause symptoms is considered safe – if the breast cancer risk is addressed.
Painful process: Dental assistants want to be registered - a move opposed by the South African Dental Association.

Dental work’s a kick in the teeth

Many dental assistants in private practices are paid very little and have to do menial tasks.
Bleak outlook: Life on the streets is grim

The streets where homelessness, abuse and mental illness meet

With almost 50% of homeless people suffering from mental illnesses, according to a study, we spoke to four people who live on Durban's streets.
Many do not understand the anguish during menstrual pain and simply brush it off as 'norm' for women.

Period pains can be debilitating, but they can also be treated

Many women suffer from menstrual cramps extreme enough to confine them to bed, but treatment is available that can provide effective relief.
Bloody business: Aborted foetuses at an illegal abortion clinic in Jo'burg.

Abortion turns into a nightmare

Personal beliefs sometimes collide with healthcare providers’ professional responsibilities.
Fight the rot: With both her feet now amputated

When hospitals don’t make the cut

Diabetic patients who aren't treated properly risk having the smallest cut lead to an amputated limb.
Mouthing off: Most medical schemes ignore the advice that if they provide adequately for oral health

Medical aids have dentists over a barrel

Dentists say the reduced rates paid out by medical schemes are putting them out of business.
Meita Maine

Analysis: Why policy is failing community health workers

Community workers are twiddling their thumbs while the state drags its heels on a new strategy, writes Mia Malan.
Elegant: E-cigarettes may not be as toxic as regular cigarettes

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

Some researchers say e-cigarettes are less toxic than tobacco, but they are certainly addictive.
Presumption of innocence: Benny Malakoane.

Former Free State health MEC: They call me a killer, I know I’m a...

In this 2014 interview, former Free State health MEC Benny Malakoane says that detractors are still alive is proof of the good work under his watch.
The youngest daughter of Samantha Benjamin* is HIV positive because her mother didn’t seek medical help.

Ignoring prenatal HIV care leads to a lifelong burden

Mothers blame themselves and their children can never give up their antiretrovirals.
The Harare Central Hospital follows a ‘demedicalised’

Cerebral palsy: ‘To take care of others, you must start with yourself’

Cerebral palsy does not only affect one person, it alters the lives of the family as well.
The favelas are served by teams of community workers

SA can learn from Brazil’s health model

The favelas are served by teams of community workers, who are the doctors' eyes and ears.