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News and analysis

Diabetes is on the increase worldwide.

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.
Heartbroken: Frans Makoetla holds a portrait of his mother.

Hospital under observation

State officials have visited Dihlabeng and the Free State health MEC says he will follow suit.
Bhekisisa health reporter Pontsho Pilane was also named Vodacom Young Journalist of the Year in 2016

Bhekisisa journalists score big at Vodacom awards

Bhekisisa staff scoop regional awards aimed at recognising feature writing and burgeoning young talent within the field
Shortages of HIV testing kits put lives of raped survivors in danger.

Limpopo HIV testing kit shortage may put rape survivors at risk

Health department admits HIV testing kits ran low, but says kits were reshuffled between facilities and provinces to avoid stock-outs.
An estimated 6.8 million people in South Africa are HIV positive.

Vaginal gel won’t protect women against HIV

The search for an anti-HIV microbicide continues, after a new trial has refuted the results of a previous study that found one to be effective.
Resilience may help some learners thrive but building it doesn't change the societal factors that led children to need it in the first place

Is there a formula for academic success?

Studies show the odds are stacked against learners from poorer backgrounds, so why do some succeed where others fail?
Elated: ANC supporters welcome the news that higher education will be free for some but it may eat into the health budget.

What free education could cost us

Saturday’s surprise announcement could be the latest blow to the country’s bid for better healthcare.

Are you a COVID-19 health worker? We’d like to tell your story

Whether you work in a hospital in the epicentre of South Africa’s COVID-19 outbreak in Cape Town or a clinic in the rural Eastern...

HPCSA ignores recommendations of ministerial task team

The "dysfunctional" Health Professions Council of South Africa will not act immediately on recommendations made by Aaron Motsoaledi's task team.
A high level UN meeting in Johannesburg will look at the current focus on pharmaceutical sales and the lack of production of health technologies for diseases that do not impact countries with major pharmaceutical capabilities.

Activists fear a pharmaceutical plot is at play

The department of trade and industry has yet to finalise patent reforms, raising questions that cheaper medication could be blocked intentionally.
Opinions are divided over whether e-cigarettes should be regulated more stringently.

The antismoking lobby says e-cigarettes should fall under the same act as ‘normal’ cigarettes

The Electronic-cigarette Association of South Africa has labelled the government's attempts to regulate the devices as a cop-out.
The Gauteng government has three months to pay families affected by the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

#LifeEsidimeni: Patients still missing after deadly move from state care

Gauteng health department hopes to avoid legal battle as more bodies are discovered.
Bhekisisa director Mia Malan speaks on The Science Inside show about ARV shortages on Voice of Wits radio station.

ARV plan bounces back

The hunt is on for a new private sector partner with the expertise to set up a drug-making plan.
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.

Unions, laboratory services to hold last-minute negotiations ahead of strike

Unions say they will not accept anything less than 7.3% wage increases.