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Analysis: SA close to meeting TB research funding targets, but most countries falling short

Posted in: Latest, TB, TB

South Africa is one of only six countries to ever meet their “fair share target” for funding tuberculosis (TB) research, according to a new report. In absolute terms however, South Africa’s contribution is small change compared to investments into TB research made by the top two contributors, the United States government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Catherine Tomlinson unpacks what the report tells us about investment in TB research in South Africa.

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Orthopaedic surgery: What is behind SA’s long waiting lists?

Posted in: Eastern Cape, Free State, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, KwaZulu-Natal, Latest, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Provinces, Western Cape

As of last year, there were 3 449 people waiting on orthopaedic surgery in five of South Africa’s nine provinces. Waiting times in these five provinces ranged from two weeks to over five years. In the Eastern Cape, it can take up to ten years for people to get specific types of orthopaedic surgery. Tiyese Jeranji looks at the numbers and unpacks what it means for healthcare workers and people waiting for orthopaedic surgery.

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

Posted in: Edition 12: SA’s AIDS & TB response, Edition 8: NSP in general, HIV/AIDS, Latest, Mental Health, NSP and SANAC, TB, TB

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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Spotlight on Nehawu strike: Dispatches from the frontlines

Posted in: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, Latest, Provinces, Western Cape

Following a Labour Appeal Court judgement on Monday, health minister Dr Joe Phaahla during a media briefing on Monday night said the department has given essential health workers until Tuesday morning to report for work. Should they fail to do this, “they will be making themselves liable to charges of misconduct”. Spotlight reporters have been visiting healthcare facilities to assess the situation.

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OPINION: Underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure will cost us in the long run

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, NHI

Investment in public health facilities is crucial as the country weathers storms on various fronts – from drought (water shortages) and flooding putting strain on health infrastructure to a harsh economic climate that makes private healthcare unaffordable to more and more people. Mbali Baduza and Matshidiso Lencoasa assess the investments in infrastructure in the budget and what it means for the planned National Health Insurance system.

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Open letter: Dear Minister Phaahla, the ‘medical tourist mom’ is little more than a convenient myth.

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla recently announced in Parliament that his department will conduct a study on the treatment of foreign nationals at public health facilities in South Africa. Phaahla singled out foreign nationals (pregnant women) seeking maternity services as the major concern, but the idea of the medical tourist mom is a myth, writes Kholofelo Mphahlele in this open letter.

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