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The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Bhekisisa is one of only a few media outlets in the Global South specialising in solutions-based narrative features and analysis. We not only uncover problems but also critically evaluate the solutions meant to fix them. It’s an approach we also take with our opinion pieces.

What makes a good op-ed? What can I expect from the editing process? Who do I pitch a possible opinion piece to? Get the answers to all these questions along with some handy writing tips here before you make a submission.

An estimated 6.8 million people in South Africa are HIV positive.

HIV researchers, citizens must be part of decisions

If the progress we see today is anything to go by, it means we are closer than ever to having an HIV vaccine.

Malawi’s sick prisons: Inmates go hungry as budgets dwindle and food prices soar

As a food crisis unfolds in the country, prisons lack money to purchase even simple food stuffs such as maize flour and beans.
Because of the complexity of the malaria parasite

How Zambia is beating malaria

A decade ago, most countries used only localised strategies. But Zambia decided to make bed nets, insecticides, and drugs available nationwide.
Would you betray your partner in crime if it meant you could avoid jail? Here's how this mentality can push up the price of medicines.

Physician, don’t fool yourself – Motsoaledi replies to NHI criticism

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi describes Dr Chris Archer's criticism of the national health insurance as ignorant at best.
The bad news doctor: Why scientists are trying to find better ways to talk to patients.

What your doctor is thinking when they say, ‘I’m afraid I have some bad...

Doctors have turned to scientific studies for guidance on talking with patients, but the results have largely left them guessing.
Some lawyers literally raid schools for the disabled

SA lawyers: Motsoaledi, we’re not the reason gynaes won’t deliver babies

Werksmans Attorneys' Neil Kirby hits back at claims that unscrupulous lawyers are driving doctors out of business.

Folly and fortitude: What sets good and bad leaders apart in the COVID-19 era?

A country's coronavirus response is only as good as its president, writes Lawrence Hamilton. So how does South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa measure up?

Abortion: Government to get tougher on doctors with moral objections

Draft guidelines will look to balance a doctor or nurse's right recuse themselves from performing abortions with a person's right to choose.
Some lawyers literally raid schools for the disabled

Paying it forward: South Africa’s law should give all fathers and adoptive parents paid...

Getting parents more involved in childcare is good for a child’s health and prospects in life. South Africa needs to get with the programme.
Over the last decade a growing number of studies have raised the alarm about men's low involvement in HIV services.

HIV treatment: Where are the men?

Our failure to adequately engage men with health services reduces the effectiveness of the many impressive, new HIV prevention breakthroughs.

Health or human rights? False dichotomy could fuel a resurgence in forced HIV testing

More than three decades ago, HIV activists fought against mandatory testing. Now an old battle is finding new life.

These countries medically prescribe heroin, should SA follow suit?

It’s time that evidence, not stigma, drive SA’s drug policies.
Where will newly qualified doctors go if provinces are being told to scale back staff under budget pressures?

Curing a sick system: Doctors and nurses must speak out for patients and themselves

Medicine shouldn’t be the only thing on the books at our medical schools. Here are some tips for healthcare workers to handle abuse.
HIV is spreading faster among teenage girls and young women than in any other group in South Africa.

#AIDS2016: Youth will lead the way to an Aids-free generation – Ramaphosa

​Education and opportunity are key to stemming the tide of HIV in South Africa's young women.
Helen Zille has the right to her opinion

If HIV denialists have not been pardoned, why should the DA excuse Helen Zille?

Aids has taught South Africans why denialism can't be tolerated – whether it comes from Thabo Mbeki or Helen Zille.
Bhekisisa bagged five awards at the Discovery Health Journalism Awards on Wednesday night. From left: Amy Green, Mia Malan and Ina Skosana

Bhekisisa: Our health journalism centre is here

The Mail & Guardian has launched its health journalism centre, Bhekisisa. You can find all the details here.