Opinion: The devastating cost of the North West strikes
Nearly a year on from the crippling health sector strikes in the North West province the full cost is still to emerge. UFRIEDA HO reflects that even the “victors” lost.
Dolutegravir- why new does not automatically mean better
While the advantages of the new antiretroviral drug dolutegravir have been extensively reported, the potential disadvantages have received relatively little attention, says Dr Tom Boyles.
Report exposes bullying, harassment and abuse at UNAIDS
An independent commissioned following multiple allegations of sexual harassment and bullying by senior staff at UNAIDS has been released telling a story of patriarchy, harassment and abuse of authority. At…
12 questions answered on the state of SAHPRA
In February 2018 the Medicines Control Council was replaced by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Spotlight sent SAHPRA 12 questions to gauge how things are going with the new regulator.
Is South Africa on track to meet NSP targets?
On World AIDS Day 2018 we assess how South Africa is faring against 10 key targets set in the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on HIV, TB and STIs 2017 – 2022.
Six advantages of dolutegravir
Dolutegravir is a critically important antiretroviral medicine that is set to become the backbone of South Africa and many other countries’ HIV programmes.
Let women decide whether they want to take dolutegravir
An important new antiretroviral medicine will soon become available to people living with HIV in various Sub-Saharan African countries. Unfortunately, many women might be denied access to this new drug due to an inability of regulators and health departments to see potential risks associated with the drug in the proper context.
Letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa: Send a message to world leaders to commit financially to fighting Aids
Dear Honourable President Ramaphosa, Greetings. Thank you for your tireless efforts to try to eradicate corruption and State Capture. We hope that these efforts will soon translate into a strong…
The SADMON Files 5: When social media doesn’t go viral
In 2015 Sadmon Projects and Consulting was awarded a three-year, R352 million communications contract by the Department of Health. The tender was for an external service provider to run a mass media communication and social media mobilisation campaign. The emphasis was on “mass”, and a successful social media strategy was therefore critical.
The SADMON Files 4: Autopsy of the Phila communications campaign
In 2015 Sadmon Projects and Consulting was awarded a three-year, R352 million communications contract by the Department of Health. Spotlight analysis of reports Sadmon submitted to the department (obtained through a Promotion of Access to Information Act request) paint a worrying picture of multiple delays and constant miscommunication – all while the bills for the public purse keep mounting up.
The SADMON Files 3: Red Ribbon or red flag?
In 2015 Sadmon Projects and Consulting was awarded a three-year, R352 million communications contract by the Department of Health. An essential part of the contract was the oversight, management and stock control at the Department’s Red Ribbon Resource Centre (RRRC) where the National Department of Health’s condoms, branding and communication materials are warehoused.
Sadmon threatens Spotlight with legal action
Spotlight today received a letter from lawyers representing Sadmon Consulting CC and its sole director Mr Cyril Sadiki threatening legal action should Spotlight publish any further articles relating to Sadmon’s R352-million contract with the Department of Health.