In-Depth: Mostly positive responses to SA’s new HIV, TB and STI plan

In-Depth: Mostly positive responses to SA’s new HIV, TB and STI plan

South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (2023 – 2028) was launched on Friday at Tlhabane Stadium in Rustenburg, North West as the world commemorated World TB Day. Nthusang Lefafa attended the event and spoke to experts and activists about the state of TB and HIV and the work that lies ahead with the new NSP.

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Shorter, simpler DR-TB regimen expected later this year

Shorter, simpler DR-TB regimen expected later this year

A new six-month treatment regimen for drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis is expected to be rolled out in the public sector later this year – current regimens take anything from nine to 18 months. Catherine Tomlinson unpacks why the switch is important and outlines what still needs to happen to make it a reality.

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Editorial: How do we make an HIV and TB plan that has greater impact?

Editorial: How do we make an HIV and TB plan that has greater impact?

South Africa’s new National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs is being developed this year. Spotlight editor Marcus Low asks what we should aim for in the new strategy and how we should go about developing it.

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In-depth: Landmark survey of key populations confirms scale of problems

In-depth: Landmark survey of key populations confirms scale of problems

People who belong to key populations, such as men who have sex with men, often report that it is difficult for them to access health services – for example, due to negative healthcare worker attitudes. Now, a large survey published last week by community healthcare monitoring group Ritshidze provides important statistics that not only confirm that such experiences are widespread but also help in pinning down some specific issues. Tiyese Jeranji reports.

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In-depth: The state of congenital syphilis in SA

In-depth: The state of congenital syphilis in SA

Over the last few years reported cases of congenital syphilis in South Africa have increased. This, accompanied by little or lack of notification, makes its management a challenge. Tiyese Jeranji reports on what congenital syphilis is, its management as well as gaps in management.

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New HIV/TB plan delayed by a year because of COVID-19

New HIV/TB plan delayed by a year because of COVID-19

South Africa will delay introducing a new HIV and TB plan until 2024, Deputy President David Mabuza revealed on Wednesday. The plan is delayed to allow the country’s HIV and TB responses to recover from COVID-19-related disruptions. Laura Lopez Gonzalez reports for Spotlight.

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Special investigation: Claims of 90-90-90 success in KZN districts were premature

Special investigation: Claims of 90-90-90 success in KZN districts were premature

Last year KwaZulu-Natal celebrated three districts’ achievement of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. But celebrations may have been premature, as new data shows that no district in KZN in fact met the targets. Spotlight visited one of the districts to investigate.

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