We were told the planned release date for an occupational health policy to protect healthcare workers was World tuberculosis Day, 24 March 2017. Three World TB Days later and with a new epidemic claiming the lives of healthcare workers we are still waiting for the policy, writes Dr Arne von Delft.
Reports of drug shortages and stock-outs across South Africa have the Department of Health in a race against the clock to ensure a supply of essential medicines. With manufacturing operations around the world still facing issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is battling to meet the demand for contraceptives, tuberculosis medicines and psychiatric medicines.
To single out a disease through specific laws or existing prosecution mechanisms places an unreasonable burden on the criminal justice system to address people’s behaviour. Our experience with HIV points to a better approach, argues Mbalenhle Baduza.
On Sunday 24 May President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that from 1 June South Africa will move to level three of its national lockdown. Spotlight answers 14 questions relating to this new phase of the lockdown.
The Pretoria High Court this week heard a challenge to the regulation of complementary medicine in South Africa. Tendai Mafuma and Julia Chaskalson explains why the case is important and why SECTION27 and the TAC got involved.
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent its spread have impacted children in some predictable and some less predictable ways. Kathryn Cleary spoke to some experts and some kids to get a deeper understanding.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize needs to abandon the autocratic attitude for the greater good of the nation and realise that the likes of Professor Glenda Gray and her counterparts are critical in our response to COVID-19, writes Dr Shafrudeen Amod.
What the models predict about COVID-19. But beware – soothsaying has a checkered history.
As the confirmed number of COVID-19 infections in South Africa climbs toward 20 000, a group of 80 leading academics, teachers and researchers have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to urge reform of South Africa’s Patents Act. We republish the letter in full.
Professor Feroza Motara remembers how she felt when the Minister of Health announced in February that the hospital where she works would become a designated COVID-19 hospital. Melissa Javan interviewed her about life and work on the frontlines of South Africa’s COVID-19 response.
Many types of surgery are being delayed in South African hospitals. HIV and TB testing rates are down. Kathryn Cleary investigates the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on ‘normal’ healthcare in South Africa.
A residential facility for older persons in the Western Cape this week recorded a COVID-19 related death, while a number of new infections were reported at another facility in the province. Elri Voigt asks whether everything is in place to protect our older persons from the expected surge in COVID-19 cases.
