Threads

Resources

Mapping a virus: Tracking the spread of South Africa’s COVID-19 outbreak

In March 2020, South Africa confirmed its first case of COVID-19. Seven months later the country had just over 650 000 people who had tested positive for the new coronavirus. Here’s what our local epidemic has looked like over time.
Coronavirus testing

Updated Coronavirus testing guide: A quick reference for South African healthcare workers

An updated version of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’  reference guide for health workers testing for the new coronavirus.

‘Hard lockdown is no longer sustainable in its current form’ — Mkhize

Take a look at South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's presentation to the national coronavirus command council about easing the national lockdown.

New year, same rules: The science behind masks, ventilation and keeping a distance

Wearing a mask, washing your hands, good ventilation and keeping your distance all help to lower your chances of getting infected by the virus that causes COVID-19. This is because they reduce how much virus you could be exposed to as you go about your day. As scientists think the virus will be with us for years to come, these measures, along with vaccination, will be crucial to help us keep safe as we go back to the office, schools, and everywhere in between.

Election promises: African National Congress

Governments have the power to decide whether people live or die when it comes to health. On 29 May your vote will determine how well South Africa’s post-election government will look after your health. We’ve launched a series of analyses to break down what parties say they will do to fix the country’s health system.
Chair of South Africa’s Ministerial Advisory Group on COVID-19.

Coronavirus in South Africa: What happens after lockdown ends?

South Africa may have flattened the curve, but find out why it’s unlikely the country will escape deaths. Find out what it’s doing to prepare.

How to bury someone who died of COVID-19

The health department has released directives outlining how patients who succumbed to COVID-19 are to be handled and buried.

‘This could be a game changer’: What you need to know about the eight-weekly...

Finally, a better HIV prevention choice for women. Here’s what we know about cabotegravir and what we don’t.
Image of 3HP TB drug combo

World Health Organisation guidelines for managing and treating latent TB

A consolidated look at the World Health Organisation’s latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) guidelines.
|||||||

Nearing the second peak under lockdown Level 3: Here are the rules

Following the festive season, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures to deal with the rising number of coronavirus infections. Find out the latest developments in South Africa’s planned response to the epidemic.
Coronavirus illustration by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Coronavirus testing criteria: A quick reference for South African healthcare workers

An updated version of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ (NICD) reference guide for health workers testing for the new coronavirus.

Beaches, bars and gyms are back: What you can and can’t do under level...

South Africa’s level 2 regulations easing the country’s nationwide lockdown. Find out what has changed and what hasn’t in these updated laws.
generic medical

South Africa guidelines for contact tracing of COVID-19 patients, health promotion and handling of...

Guidelines on how we navigate home and work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Abortions 101: Here’s which pills, tools and terms to know if you plan to...

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act makes abortion legal in South Africa. But how far along your pregnancy is determines whether you can get an abortion, what type of termination would be best for you and who should perform it. Abortion experts Melusi Dhlamini and Boitumelo Lewele explain the ins and outs of how abortions work in South Africa.

What does moral injury feel like? A guide for health workers

South African health workers have to make difficult treatment decisions every day, but epidemics make it worse. Go inside the moral distress of working on the  COVID-19 and HIV frontlines with two doctors who saw it first-hand. 

Election promises: African Christian Democratic Party

Governments have the power to decide whether people live or die when it comes to health. On 29 May your vote will determine how well South Africa’s post-election government will look after your health. We’ve launched a series of analyses to break down what parties say they will do to fix the country’s health system.