News and analysis

In South Africa, scientists halted what promised to be a ground-breaking HIV vaccine study called HVTN 702 early after the jab offered no protection.

Outbreaks such as coronavirus, Sars and Ebola have taught us communication is key, and that the world is only as strong as its weakest health system.

Are e-cigarettes dangerous? Are they safer for you than smoking? The World Health Organisation lays out what you need to know about your favourite vapes.

In an age where more young people are having sex before the age of 15 than ever before, can we really afford to keep turning a blind eye to the birds and the bees? But good sex ed doesn’t have to pit religion against facts.

A new tool developed by scientists may be able to predict the countries most likely to see conflict sparked by water scarcity.

Public comment on the NHI Bill has closed, but there are other ways you can add your voice to this historic overhaul of the country’s health services. Find out in this latest instalment of "Compass", our series on the NHI.

From “sinister sexual behaviours” to “lies” and efforts to “manufacture ignorance”, Joan van Dyk looks at the high-stakes fight to decide what students are taught about their bodies and about sex.

South Africa's next chapter in HIV treatment holds amazing promise but unlocking it rests on our ability to have the kind of discussions with women — about risks, about contraception, about their agency — that we, truth be told, haven't been great at. Will this rollout be a chance to get it right finally?

Where are South Africa's HIV patients? Find out how provinces stack up when it comes to getting patients onto antiretrovirals with this interactive map.

The Kenyan government has introduced reforms to make domestic work safer in a region notorious for labour trafficking. But will the changes work?

Global health funders announce an almost 70 percent reduction in the cost of anti-TB drug - enough to allow South Africa to roll it out nationally.

Interested in global health? Check out this recommended reading list of more than 140 books about love, death and — oddly enough — dance.

Can Tobacco money ever be washed clean? Most researchers at the University of Cape Town say no.

Help us guage the quality of public participation around the National Health Insurance NHI). Take this 5-minute survey.

How good is HIV testing in South Africa? A new report hints the country might be sacrificing quality for quantity as it pushes to meet donor targets.

The three C’s: Collusion, competition and corruption. There’ll be a renewed push to safeguard your money when it comes to healthcare, but will it work?