What the Public Protector’s food safety investigation reveals about Gauteng’s public health early warning system

Posted in: #Vote4Health, Healthcare system, Latest

From inspecting spaza shops to monitoring water quality, Environmental Health Practitioners help prevent disease before outbreaks occur. A Public Protector investigation reveals why Gauteng municipalities are struggling to deliver these essential public health services. The investigation also helps clarify what will be at stake in South Africa’s local government elections in November. Christina Pitt reports.

What the Public Protector’s food safety investigation reveals about Gauteng’s public health early warning system

In-depth: After UN report, new focus on antimicrobial resistance in the environment

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest

South African scientists have echoed serious concerns flagged in a recent UN Environmental Programme Report on the growth of antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Sue Segar reports.

In-depth: After UN report, new focus on antimicrobial resistance in the environment

Opinion: Climate emergency risks becoming a mental health emergency

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, Mental Health

Studies have shown that the rate of mental health problems, such as suicidality, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, increase after natural disasters. Mbalenhle Baduza unpacks the findings of a recent report by the Centre for Environmental Rights on the psychological and mental health consequences of climate change in South Africa.

Opinion: Climate emergency risks becoming a mental health emergency

Seasonal sniffles: How a new pollen tracking effort can help manage allergies in South Africa

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest

In August last year, the South African Pollen Monitoring Network expanded pollen monitoring efforts in the country. The data now being collected can assist researchers, doctors, and people with pollen allergies. Elri Voigt explores these efforts and the impact pollen has on the lives of people in South Africa.

Seasonal sniffles: How a new pollen tracking effort can help manage allergies in South Africa

New climate report paints grim picture for health in South Africa

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest

The Lancet medical journal last week released its 2020 Countdown on Health and Climate Change Report which highlights the worsening global climate crisis and how it impacts human health. Kathryn Cleary spoke to an environmental health expert about the implications of the report’s findings for South Africa.

New climate report paints grim picture for health in South Africa

COVID-19: We can’t breathe – residents in South Durban say whilst caught between COVID-19 and polluted air

Posted in: KwaZulu-Natal, Latest, Provinces

Lockdown has been difficult for most people in South Africa, but residents in the South Durban Basin describe their experiences as tantamount to a health hostage situation as they are caught between polluted air from petrochemical industries and the COVID-19 virus. Nomfundo Xolo investigates.

COVID-19: We can’t breathe – residents in South Durban say whilst caught between COVID-19 and polluted air

IN PICTURES: The making of a public health time bomb: Just (don’t) add water

Posted in: Eastern Cape, Latest, Provinces

On the ground in the Eastern Cape and from recent proceedings in parliament, it seems clear that there is a water management crisis in the OR Tambo District – a crisis with public health implications beyond just COVID-19.

IN PICTURES: The making of a public health time bomb: Just (don’t) add water

COVID-19: What is the risk from waste?

Posted in: Latest

Are waste service workers becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 through their work? Is handling household waste an occupational hazard? Are the precautionary measures introduced by municipalities sufficient? Professor Wolfgang Preiser explains the science and puts the risks in perspective.

COVID-19: How PE waste pickers navigate lockdown and hunger

Posted in: Eastern Cape, Latest, Provinces

Hundreds of people daily search for recyclable materials to sell and food to eat at Arlington and Uitenhage waste disposal sites in Port Elizabeth. Luvuyo Mehlwana spoke to waste pickers about their fears of contracting COVID-19 from waste and to experts about the risks of this happening.