Diet and lack of exercise main reasons for dramatic rise in diabetes
The first World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Diabetes report says that diabetes has increased globally, and the disease claims more lives yearly.
Yellow fever vaccines diverted to help stem Angolan epidemic
The World Health Organisation says more than 200 people have died there since January and that there is a need to ramp up production of vaccines.
Activists lead fight for the right to cheaper drugs
There is a big move afoot to alert SADC members to the concessions on intellectual property rights that they can take advantage of.
Pharma funding for TB research four times less than government funding
Available data shows significantly higher investment by public and philanthropic institutions in TB research than by the pharmaceutical industry.
Four things parents can do to keep their kids’ kidneys healthy
In the developed world up to 5% of patients with chronic kidney disease are children. But statistics are harder to come by in the developing world.
‘Horrendous’ state of schools for the blind in the spotlight
Civil society bodies are meeting education officials to formulate an urgent response to the shortage of tools and teachers for the visually impaired.
A long road ahead to reduce HIV among South Africa’s sex workers
More than half the female sex workers in South Africa's three largest cities are HIV positive, but less than a third are on antiretroviral treatment.
Angola’s yellow fever outbreak: Vaccines desperately needed
Only six out of ten Angolan children have been vaccinated against yellow fever.
‘Roche holds cancer patients to ransom’ – activists
Activists say if Roche does not drop the price of Herceptin, they will ask the health department to act.
M&G joins #UnmaskStigma TB awareness campaign
The Mail & Guardian's health centre, Bhekisisa, joins the World Health Organisation in raising awareness about TB on World TB Day on March 24.
Quick urine TB test a life-saver, but only in certain cases
There are fears that, because the LAM measure is easily administered, it could be used when conditions call for more detailed analysis.
‘I think I’m going to die,’ SA patient desperate for cancer drug tells UN
A desperate South African breast cancer patient pleaded with the United Nations (UN) on Thursday to help her access a drug that can save her life.
Malaria has been beaten back – but children are still dying
Now the fight is on to eliminate the illness entirely – and save those still at the mercy of the mosquito.
UN panel investigates access to medicine
As part of a global dialogue, a UN panel is meeting in Johannesburg to discuss proposals that aim to help prevent millions of unnecessary deaths.
Innovation and technology will help to wipe out malaria
With the help of new technologies, global health organisations aim to eliminate malaria in Africa in the next 15 years.
A jab controls sandfly bite killer fever, but not in South Sudan
Early diagnosis, a simple test, vector curbs and a new medicine is effective in many areas, but South Sudan can't rely on this treatment.