Short Form

Listeria: Follow SA’s medical sleuths as they chase a killer in a race against...

Bond, James Bond: The source of the listeria outbreak will likely be found by a gene-sequencing machine named after the famous agent 007. (Delwyn Verasamy)
In Sierra Leone’s island-bound district of Bonthe

This is what it’s like to give birth in the world’s most dangerous country...

When a river and several hours of dirt roads stand between you & the nearest hospital, giving birth can be deadly. One nurse is hoping to change that.
Eritrean women at a refugee camp in Sudan. Experts say kidnapping has become big business along the Eritrean border.

Captured, raped, ransomed: The kidnappers preying on teenagers far from home

When Ella and her cousin reached a refugee camp in Sudan, it seemed to herald safety. Instead, it was the start of an all too familiar ordeal.
Menstrual cups

A guide to ‘alternative menstruation’: Save money and the world during your period

When 'that time of the month' comes, you don't have to reach for disposable tampons or pads.

How to save a life: Easing grief from inside COVID ICUs

An app, a few volunteers and buy-in from doctors can make the frontlines a kinder place for patients, staff and families.
The high cost of care means that many people cannot afford treatment for bipolar

The high cost of being bipolar

Patients are subject to wild mood swings and costly spending sprees,but they can be treated with the right medicine - and a lot of money.
Topvein was marketed as a cure for AIDS

A roundup of fake AIDS ‘cures’: Angel Zapper, Garani MW1, Topvein, SF 2000

Fake AIDS "cures" have been the bane of activists fighting for treatment. We discovered a new one and checked in on some we've debunked before.
Social justice organisation

Game-changing technology for blind people – at a price

Groundbreaking technology could revolutionise the future for the blind - but the exorbitant costs make it inaccessible.
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‘An African man like me depressed?’ Why representation matters in the movies

The continent’s largest film industry has been getting mental health all wrong with dangerous consequences. Now, that’s changing.
In good hands: Mozambique's nurses take up the scalpel for safer births

This map tells you which districts have the country’s highest c-section rates

Some districts report Caesarean rates of 40%, which is much higher than the 26% national average for public hospitals.
Prudence Mabele was an activist by day and a traditional healer by night. She helped win the fight for HIV treatment in SA and went on to tackle a host of other issues including LGBTI rights. She passed away on 11 June 2017

Prudence Mabele: “I have seen ARVs save lives”

Mabele helped lead the fight for antiretrovirals in SA. A memorial service will be held for her today. This was her last interview with Bhekisisa.
A rare group of patients across the globe is ageing at an astonishing rate. The secret to why is in their genes — and understanding it could shape the way we age.

Ageing and the secrets of our genes

A rare condition has caused this man’s body to age at super speed. Why?

‘We are forced to move on from declaring babies dead as if nothing happens’

Saving lives — and losing them — may be all in a day's work for health workers, but if you think it doesn't take its toll, listen to these doctors.
Going one day without betanoid can be life theatening - and it's been out of stock nationwide for months.

Me and my meds: It’s a fraught friendship

Society has a skewed view that healthy people don’t take medicine but rising rates of chronic illness may call for a re-think of that perception.
Common manifestations of lupus include fever

House rules for dealing with lupus

With proper medication, healthy living and a positive outlook, patients can lead good lives.
In El HaLev’s trauma-informed self-defense classes, women practice fighting against “padded assailants.” The training is “part of a comprehensive effort to prevent sexual assault and other acts of interpersonal violence and boundary violations,” according to El HaLev’s website. (Din Aharoni / El HaLev)

Could self-defence classes help rape survivors overcome PTSD?

When class is in session, would-be "attackers" lunge at women in mock muggings. For survivors, classes can be triggering... but that might be the point, argue some experts.