COVID-19: Learn lessons from AIDS response, says head of UNAIDS
How to fight COVID-19? Look to HIV, says UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.
Health department considering private sector reforms
Amy Green asked the Department of Health and others what happens next following the release of a landmark report into private healthcare in South Africa.
The SADMON files 1: Government pushed R352m to controversial communications company
In 2017 Spotlight lodged a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application for all documents relating to a R352-m health department communications tender. The aim was to understand how this bid was granted, what monies were paid to Sadmon and what was delivered in return. Our five-part investigation (this is part 1) provides an unprecedented perspective on one of South Africa’s most critical communication projects, and a unique insight into the interface between a service provider and government. It is not a pretty picture.
NHI shenanigans exposed
Presidential Advisor Dr Olive Shisana and Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi appear to have side-lined senior Department of Health and Treasury officials in preparing a new version of the National Health Insurance Bill for submission to Cabinet. Spotlight’s Marcus Low and Anso Thom report on a leaked letter.
AIDS 2016: Protecting Human Rights and Reducing Stigma
Read the opening speech of the Durban International AIDS Conference by Justice Edwin Cameron
Opinion: Dear Deputy President Ramaphosa
This open letter from Mark Heywood appeared on Spotlight’s website and in the Daily Maverick at the end of August. While we are three months further down the line, the issues highlighted by Mark are still relevant and important to take note of as the new plan for HIV and TB is crafted. We welcome responses to this, please write to the Editor and let’s talk!
UN Committee finds austerity measures implemented in SA “may further worsen inequalities”
The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has called for more inclusive economic policies and a review of fiscal policy to enable government to meet its Constitutional and international human rights obligations. But is Tito Mboweni willing to take a tip based on international law? Sadly, it seems unlikely by Mark Heywood.
Issue 5: Introduction
[caption id="attachment_990" align="alignnone" width="567"] Members of the Treatment Action Campaign and AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa during a march to demand more funding for the fight against HIV…
Spotlight on NHI: In search of common ground
Marcus Low takes an in-depth look at the politics of NHI, explores the concerns people have with the NHI Bill, and asks what it will take for people in South Africa to find more common ground.
Face to face with Michelle Meiring
Sometimes a child’s death is not just inevitable, but imminent. For a pragmatic like Dr Michelle Meiring the challenge lies in cushioning the landing.
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…
But hey, who cares?
Once upon a time and not so long ago our politicians and senior public servants cared about the lives of other people. They cared about the loss of life. They took personal risks to prevent it. They went to prison. They went into exile. They risked their own security and comfort. That was once upon a time. That was history.