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.

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

ANALYSIS: Mixed feelings about NHI at public health conference

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, NHI

National Health Insurance (NHI) was one of the hot topics at the 2022 Public Health Association of South Africa Conference recently held in Durban. While several speakers and attendees expressed support for the principles underpinning NHI, many also expressed reservations. Elri Voigt assesses what the conference told us about the views of some of South Africa’s public health experts on NHI.

ANALYSIS: Mixed feelings about NHI at public health conference

In-Depth: Hypertension – South Africa’s “silent killer”

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest

It is estimated that around 45% of men and 48% of women older than 15 years have high blood pressure (hypertension) in South Africa and only about 19% of men and 29% of women who have this condition are aware that they have it. Elri Voigt unpacks the state of hypertension in the country and how it is diagnosed and treated.

In-Depth: Hypertension – South Africa’s “silent killer”

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

COVID-19: Is SA vaccinating enough older persons to protect against possible fourth wave?

Posted in: COVID-19, Healthcare system, Latest

Just 54% of people in South Africa over the age of 50 have received at least one COVID-19 jab, with significant variation between provinces, as experts warn of the possibility of another wave of COVID-19 in future. Chris Bateman reports.

COVID-19: Is SA vaccinating enough older persons to protect against possible fourth wave?

Opinion: The President must rise above petty politics and appoint a Health Minister fit to fight our current crisis

Posted in: Spotlight

While the Digital Vibes scandal has no doubt presented President Cyril Ramaphosa with a massive headache, it has also presented him with an opportunity. In appointing a new Minister of Health, he can set South Africa’s COVID-19 response on a sounder footing. We should soon know whether this is an opportunity he is ready to take, writes Spotlight editor Marcus Low.

Opinion: The President must rise above petty politics and appoint a Health Minister fit to fight our current crisis

Opinion: What PPE graft means for NHI

Posted in: Latest, NHI

Even as the need for a more equitable health system is being demonstrated, news has broken of large-scale corruption in the procurement of PPE. This makes it difficult for a population worn down by corruption to envisage the transformation of the health system into a system of contracting and procurement under National Health Insurance, writes Sasha Stevenson.