COVID-19: “Extremely high levels of stress” among employees in SA
Employees in South Africa are experiencing extremely high rates of psychological distress during the COVID-19 epidemic, researchers report.
In-depth: The long shadow of child malnutrition in South Africa
The COVID-19 lockdown is taking a potentially deadly toll on children, with reported child hunger on the rise and unemployment at a high. Kathryn Cleary takes an in-depth look at what this means for young children and asks the experts about potential solutions.
COVID-19: How clinic closures disrupt health services in PE
The temporary closure of clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, whenever a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, has disrupted healthcare services at many of these clinics. Luvuyo Mhelwana spoke to some residents attending local clinics and the health authorities in the district and province.
IN PICTURES: The difference a minister’s visit makes at Livingstone Hospital
Unhygienic conditions, as reported locally and internationally, at hospitals in Port Elizabeth prompted the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, to make a site visit to Livingstone Hospital on Wednesday. These striking pictures show the situation at the hospital before and after the visit.
OPINION: The Eastern Cape health crisis is nothing new
The healthcare system in the Eastern Cape has been on the brink of collapse for over a decade but the health department has failed to act, writes Nontsikelelo Mpulo.
COVID-19: NHLS reducing its dependence on “a few suppliers”
Early enthusiasm about South Africa’s strong position to scale up COVID-19 testing due to existing investments in diagnostic infrastructure for HIV and TB waned after the country found itself unable to secure adequate test materials. Steps are now being taken to reduce the dependence on just a few suppliers for these materials. Catherine Tomlinson reports.
Opinion: Despite significant challenges, SAHPRA is on the right track
Recently the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority was criticised for not approving laboratory-based SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests. Spotlight Editor Marcus Low argues that despite the regulator’s capacity constraints, its flexible conservatism is something to be grateful for.
COVID-19: I want to be a part of the solution against coronavirus, says vaccine trialist.
Timothy Lebelwane of Diepsloot is one of 2 000 people in South Africa participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial spearheaded by Wits University. Biénne Huisman spoke to him about life as a participant in such an important vaccine trial.
Fear of COVID-19 has caused major disruption to healthcare, new data shows
New data points to fears of contracting COVID-19 at congested health facilities as the primary reason for people not seeking needed care and defaulting on their chronic medication, including HIV treatment. Amy Green reports.
COVID-19: Alcohol ban will increase ICU capacity, but is not a long term solution – experts say
The reinstatement of the ban on the sale of alcohol may have come as a surprise to many, but evidence suggest that it will have a significant impact on trauma and hospital capacity in the coming weeks. Elna Schütz investigates.
COVID-19: The pandemic’s far-reaching impact on pregnancy
Research released on Wednesday shows a significant drop in antenatal and follow-up visits to health facilities during South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown. To help understand these statistics, Tiyese Jeranji spoke to some health workers and new and expecting mothers about being pregnant in a pandemic.
COVID-19: Solutions proposed as shocking new child hunger numbers revealed
Findings from a large survey published today has revealed shocking statistics about the effects of South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown on child and household hunger. Experts say children may be the pandemic’s greatest victims and the country’s progress towards ending hunger may have been reversed. Kathryn Cleary reports.
