In East London, Lesley-Ann Foster is packing away decades of patient records. Her nonprofit, Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, is facing a crisis. This situation is becoming common across the continent. A massive shift in African health funding is fundamentally changing how medical services are delivered to the most vulnerable. For thirty years, Masimanyane provided a lifeline for survivors of sexual…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Afrigen Business Rescue: Cape Town Biotech Firm Seeks Investors
The Cape Town-based biotechnology firm, Afrigen Biologics, has officially entered business rescue. This move follows the financial collapse of the Avacare group, which holds a 51% majority stake in the company. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) holds the remaining 49% share. Afrigen gained international acclaim in 2022. It successfully developed an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine using publicly available data from Moderna.…
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NHI Act Implementation: Addressing Healthcare Gaps
The legal journey of the National Health Insurance (NHI) has hit a significant pause. Following a High Court order, the South African government has agreed to halt the proclamation and implementation of the Act. This suspension will remain in place until the Constitutional Court rules on challenges regarding public participation. While the delay is legally rooted, it highlights a deeper…
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The Global Funding Crisis: Rebuilding Multilateral Institutions
The landscape of global healthcare is currently facing a seismic shift. In recent weeks, a surge of commentary from high-profile industry leaders has emerged, with many discussions centred on the global funding crisis and its impact. These “big-hitters” are all grappling with a singular, urgent question: how should the future of multilateral health institutions be redesigned? Prominent voices include Philippe…
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Health Department Suspensions Follow Senior Official’s Arrests
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has officially confirmed several suspensions at the Health Department. This follows the recent arrests of high-ranking officials. The charges involve alleged fraud and theft. Motsoaledi placed Director-General Sandile Buthelezi and two other senior figures on precautionary suspension. This move follows their court appearance last week. The suspensions aim to protect the integrity of the department. They…
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Aspen Pharmacare Asset Disposals: Future Opportunities
Multinational pharmaceutical giant Aspen Pharmacare is prepared to further streamline its global operations. While the company has not officially hoisted a “for sale” sign, leadership has indicated it remains open to further Aspen Pharmacare asset disposals if the price is right. This strategic openness follows the landmark sale of its Asia-Pacific (APAC) division. The R26.5 billion transaction serves as a…
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Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Silent Health Crisis
Across South Africa and the globe, a silent scourge is devastating public health. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), remain significantly underreported. Despite their prevalence, they receive far less attention than infectious diseases. In South Africa, CRDs account for 4% of all annual deaths. Data from 2019 reveals 20,149 deaths linked to these conditions.…
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GEMS Contribution Increases Spark Talks With Unions
GEMS is currently the largest restricted medical scheme in South Africa. It serves nearly 2.45 million beneficiaries. Membership is strictly limited to public servants and their dependants. To encourage membership, government departments provide subsidies of up to two-thirds of the monthly cost. However, this benefit is only available to those who remain with GEMS. The current conflict stems from GEMS’…
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Generic Semaglutide Pricing Could Disrupt Global Markets
New research reveals that manufacturers could sell generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, for less than $3 a month. This study highlights a massive gap between current list prices and actual production costs. It suggests a future where powerful weight-loss treatments are accessible to billions. The Massive Gap In Generic Semaglutide Pricing Researchers at the University…
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FDA Biosimilar Development Guidance Targets Treatment Costs
\n\nBiologic medicines are made from living cells and are among the most expensive therapies available. While they account for only 5% of all prescriptions, they are responsible for a staggering 51% of total drug spending in the United States. To address this imbalance, the FDA is prioritising the expansion of the biosimilar market.\n\n\n\nThe new FDA biosimilar development guidance focuses on…
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NHI Corruption Risks Heightened By Home Affairs Scandal, Arrests
The integrity of South Africa’s future healthcare system is under intense scrutiny. Recent investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have exposed deep-seated rot within the Department of Home Affairs. These findings provide a grim reminder of the systemic challenges facing South African governance. For the healthcare industry, these revelations are particularly troubling, highlighting the risks of NHI corruption. They…
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NHI Preparations Continue Despite Legal Pause
\n\nThe NHI remains one of the most debated policy projects in South Africa. It currently faces more than twelve separate legal challenges. Recent court developments have focused on the legality of the process rather than the NHI model itself.\n\n\n\nNHI Preparations are Ongoing Despite Agreement on Act\n\n\n\nLast week, Minister Motsoaledi and President Cyril Ramaphosa reached an agreement regarding the Act. They…