News and analysis

Did you see your psychologist over Zoom during lockdown? Telemedicine is here to stay

COVID-19 lockdown restrictions meant many therapist offices had to close and cancel in-person appointments. But doctors were able to use videoconferencing to support patients who got anxious, stressed out and depressed.
Male sexual enhancement pills are considered to be one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world.

Online drugs a big turn-off

Despite the risks, many South Africans continue to buy black market aphrodisiacs over the internet.
The Dapivirine vaginal ring used in an HIV prevention trials.

ARV-infused vaginal ring significantly lowers HIV infections

Trials have found that vaginal rings containing an antiretroviral drug could more than halve women's chances of contracting HIV if used consistently.
The strategy marks the first time that provinces have been tasked with developing and implementing parallel local HIV and TB plans.

Read: The preliminary findings of South Africa’s latest HIV household survey

More than four-million people in the country are now on antiretroviral treatment.

‘I skip meals to make my insulin last longer’: The problem with Big Pharma’s...

The price of insulin in the United States will drop dramatically but people in low-income countries, who spend close to 100% of their income on the life-saving medication, won’t benefit.
French scientists have singled out a mechanism that spontaneously 'cured' two people of HIV

HIV treatment needs a shift in thinking – researchers

Experts say more focus on early treatment rather than waiting for CD4 counts will dramatically reduce viral replication and new infections.

Report shows SA meat products contain donkey, goat, buffalo

The discovery of horse in meat products sparked outrage across Europe and a new Stellenbosch University report has revealed similar findings in SA.

This injection outperforms a daily pill to prevent HIV infection. Will you use it?

New data shows that a two-monthly injection prevented more HIV infections than when people took a daily HIV prevention pill.
Salie Joubert

Basson launches bid to force committee recusal

Citing a conflict of interests and an inability to be impartial, "Dr Death" wants the committee conducting the inquiry into his conduct to step down.
Mahlangu could not give updated figures on the number of former Life Esidimeni patients who have died. The department is keeping a close eye on the Cullinan Rehabilitation and Care Centre following at least two recent deaths.

[EXCLUSIVE] Gauteng health MEC: Court threats fly over patient deaths

Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu breaks her silence over the department's deadly decision to transfer psychiatric patients.
Bhekisisa health reporter Pontsho Pilane was also named Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year in 2016

Bhekisisa journalist scoops impactAfrica award

Reporter Pontsho Pilane has been recognised for her reporting on menstruation.
Dihlabeng Regional Hospital in the Free State.

Has anything changed at Dihlabeng Hospital in Bethlehem?

Exposé spurs flurry of activity, but problems remain.
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Of anti-corruption forums and commissions: Is a new Rx for better healthcare on its...

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?
Understanding the prevalence of rape in Diepsloot

SA boys more at risk of sexual abuse than girls – study

One in three South African boys have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime.

Should nurses be allowed to hand out psychiatric drugs?

People with HIV have a big chance of battling with mental health problems. At the moment though, only doctors can prescribe psychiatric medicines. Could getting nurses to do this too help people with HIV to stay on their treatment, and so get infection rates down? Mia Malan finds out from a doctor who’s lived through HIV with his patients for the past 20 years.
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Fanon, Freire, Thiong’o: Your global health summer reading list

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