“What’s the point of top tech sitting in labs?” UCT’s Yumna Albertus is on a mission to turn science into social impact

Posted in: Focus, Healthcare system, InFocus, Latest, Provinces, Spotlight, Western Cape

What started as a childhood fascination with science and sport has grown into a mission to “democratise” technology with innovative, affordable rehabilitation solutions for people with limited resources. Biénne Huisman sits down with the associate professor – who was once a volleyball captain and is now the head of a top research centre – and who is proving that low-cost solutions are possible.

Waiting is not an option in the first 1000 days: How a shared approach in Cape Town helps high-risk babies

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Child health, Focus, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, InFocus, Latest, Provinces

South Africa’s health department is overhauling its framework for disability services. It prompts an important question: When it comes to Cerebral Palsy – a wide-ranging motor disorder with possible comorbidities – what could a standardised package of baby care look like, especially within an overburdened public health system? Spotlight explores a collaborative approach in Cape Town aimed at optimising development during the critical first 1 000 days of life.

Cape Town study brings hope to newborns left behind in HIV treatment advances

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Focus, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, HIV/AIDS, InFocus, Latest, Provinces, Spotlight, Western Cape

Research led by Professor Adrie Bekker is paving the way for an important HIV medicine to be made available to neonates in a way that is both safe and much more convenient than previous options. Biénne Huisman met with the passionate clinician-scientist at her office in Cape Town.