COVID-19: Staying safe on (and off) the streets

COVID-19: Staying safe on (and off) the streets

Siyabonga Kamnqa visited shelters in Cape Town to chat to homeless people about their lives in the time of COVID-19 and under lockdown. He also asked government what they’ve done to assist and protect these vulnerable members of our society.

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COVID-19: Understanding the increased risk in people with diabetes

COVID-19: Understanding the increased risk in people with diabetes

Roughly 42% of people with diabetes who tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be admitted to hospital in the Western Cape had died as of 16 July. Elri Voigt asked experts why people with diabetes who are hospitalised with COVID-19 have such poor prognoses.

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COVID-19: What we know about SA’s 33 000 excess deaths so far

COVID-19: What we know about SA’s 33 000 excess deaths so far

Between the beginning of May and the first week of August, there have been over 33 000 excess deaths in South Africa. This is over three times the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths. Kathryn Cleary asked the experts what we do and do not know about what so many people are dying of.

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Do we need the law to provide for a regular clinical medical procedure such as abortion?

Do we need the law to provide for a regular clinical medical procedure such as abortion?

With abortion services now available through telemedicine and the increasing practice of self-managed abortion, Marion Stevens asks if abortion law still has any relevance given these practices.

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Abortion is healthcare  – Dr T.

Abortion is healthcare  – Dr T.

Reproductive justice is not only about the freedom to choose. It is far-reaching in that it challenges systems of oppression and discrimination, writes Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng.

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SA to take part in two more COVID-19 vaccine trials

SA to take part in two more COVID-19 vaccine trials

South Africa is consolidating its place in the race for a COVID-19 vaccine with its participation starting from next month in two new international trials of vaccine candidates. Adele Baleta reports.

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IN-DEPTH: On the streets with paramedics amid COVID-19 and high crime rates

IN-DEPTH: On the streets with paramedics amid COVID-19 and high crime rates

In South Africa responding to medical emergencies can mean risking your life, possible assault and losing some of your belongings. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and added to  these daily challenges faced by paramedics. Melissa Javan investigates.

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IN-DEPTH: Vaginal ring ushers in new era in HIV prevention

IN-DEPTH: Vaginal ring ushers in new era in HIV prevention

A recent announcement about a vaginal ring to prevent HIV has AIDS activists and women’s sexual and reproductive health advocates excited. But where would this ring fit in South Africa’s HIV prevention programme? Amy Green investigates.

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COVID-19: Understanding immunity and what it means for a vaccine

COVID-19: Understanding immunity and what it means for a vaccine

Immunity to COVID-19 is much more interesting and much more complicated than simply something you do or do not have. Kathryn Cleary spoke to two experts about what we know about COVID-19 immunity and the implications of that for antibody testing and the development of vaccines.

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Breakthrough hepatitis C medicines remain in regulatory limbo

Breakthrough hepatitis C medicines remain in regulatory limbo

Over the last decade the treatment of hepatitis C, a virus that can infect and damage the liver, has been revolutionised by a new class of medicines called direct acting antivirals. Catherine Tomlinson investigates the regulatory obstacles that are limiting access to these breakthrough medicines in South Africa.

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COVID-19: Sex workers say they struggle to access contraception, abortion and other services

COVID-19: Sex workers say they struggle to access contraception, abortion and other services

The COVID-19 pandemic and South Africa’s national lockdown has exacerbated existing challenges the LGBTQI+ community and sex workers experience in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Tiyese Jeranji reports.

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COVID-19: 65-year-old driver tells of his time in Cape Town’s Hospital of Hope

COVID-19: 65-year-old driver tells of his time in Cape Town’s Hospital of Hope

On July 22 Richard Abrahams, his wife, and three children celebrated his 65th birthday with orange cake and well-wishes. Less than a month before, Abrahams was struggling to breathe due to COVID-19 and receiving oxygen at Cape Town’s Hospital of Hope. He shared his story with Biénne Huisman.

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