A new normal where SheDecides: What needs to happen to get there?
By Robin Gorna I want to live in a world where every girl and every woman can decide what to do with her body, her life, and with her future.…
SA ahead of World Health Organisation in recommending new TB medicine
The South African Department of Health this week announced it will be making a new tuberculosis medicine available more widely than recommended by the World Health Organisation. The department deserves credit for this brave decision that will both save lives and prevent many patients from suffering irreversible hearing loss.
Removing Motsoaledi is not the right medicine
The rot in the healthcare system is far too deep for anything other than a fundamental overhaul and a deep cleansing of corrupt officials to do the trick.
Health workers as change agents and patient advocates
My thoughts on health workers as patient advocates stems from my experiences in both spaces – the public sector and civil society.
Flight attendant grounded because of HIV status
Flight attendant grounded after disclosing HIV status. By Ufrieda Ho
Sexual and reproductive health rights should matter to all
Why have sexual and reproductive rights remained controversial and contested in Africa? Building on a previous SRHR-focussed Spotlight article by Thuthu Mbatha and Mark Heywood, Tendai Mafuma takes on this difficult question.
Health Minister should be given greater powers
We need to amend the National Health Act (No. 61 of 2003) so as to give the Minister of Health greater powers to intervene in provinces and avert disasters in provinces. If we do not, the Minister’s hands will remain tied when it comes to the next Life Esidimeni, the ongoing oncology crisis, and the non-placement of medical interns, argues Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo.
Open letter to President Ramaphosa: time to turn a disease system back into a health system
Thank you for what you are doing to try and restore good governance to our country and root out corruption. I am sorry to have to add more challenges to your to-do list.
The cost of strike
Jovial Rantao, editor of the African Independent, wrote this personal reflection on the cost of the strike in the NorthWest.
How rural stereotypes are being broken in Bulungula
An innovative project in Bulungula in the Eastern Cape is showing how quality healthcare and education can be provided in a deep rural area.
Funding shock threatens leading health programme for MSM
A trend-setting programme that forms a core part of the South African government’s health services tailored to the needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) is at risk of closing much of its operations because the US government has stopped its funding.
How “Nomakhayas” beat a scabies outbreak
With tenacity, teamwork and a plan of action, a group of community health workers in the Eastern Cape show just how effective they can be in bringing better healthcare to a rural community. UFRIEDA HO met these local heroes.