Investment powerhouse Remgro and Investment Holding Limited (IHL), a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, have announced plans to restructure their joint interests in Mediclinic Holdings. The two major shareholders issued a cautionary announcement detailing an in-principle, non-binding agreement to divide key geographic assets between them. Under the proposed Mediclinic restructuring deal, Remgro will acquire 100% ownership of Mediclinic Southern…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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GLP-1 Medicines Review: South Africa Moves to Expand Access
The National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) has officially prioritised a GLP-1 medicines review. This move signals a potential shift in how South Africa manages the dual crises of type 2 diabetes and obesity. According to senior health department officials, the review aims to determine whether these high-demand drugs should be added to the Essential Medicines List (EML). If approved,…
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HIV Treatment Retention: South Africa’s Plan for 1.1m Patients
South Africa’s globally acclaimed response to the HIV epidemic has hit a critical “stubborn and painful” hurdle. While the nation has made massive strides in diagnosis and viral suppression, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has warned that HIV treatment retention is now the primary threat to the country’s healthcare sustainability. The Department of Health reports that 1.1 million patients stopped attending…
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African Genomics Research Promotes Diversity in Science
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially launched a landmark training initiative in African genomics research designed to address the stark lack of diversity in global genetic science. The **African Genomics Short Course (AGSC)** commenced at the Faculty of Health Sciences on 1 December. This 10-day programme represents a strategic effort to decolonise medical research and empower a new…
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Illegal weight loss injections: The rising black market crisis
The quest for rapid weight loss in South Africa has birthed a dangerous shadow economy. For many, acquiring potent GLP-1 agonists no longer requires a clinical consultation. Instead, it involves a few WhatsApp messages and a payment to a stranger. This burgeoning trade in illegal weight loss injections highlights a desperate intersection of public health needs and economic barriers. As…
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SA Teen Pregnancy Statistics Reveal 2,103 Births to Girls 10-14
New demographic data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has highlighted a critical area of concern for public health officials and social workers alike. According to the latest SA teen pregnancy statistics, South Africa recorded 2,103 births to girls aged 10-14 in 2024. This data, derived from birth registrations received from the Department of Home Affairs, underscores the persistent…
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AIDS-Related Deaths 2024: The Last Mile
Despite fading from the forefront of the global news cycle, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to exact a heavy toll on South Africa’s healthcare system and economy. According to the latest estimates, 53,000 people died of AIDS-related complications in South Africa in 2024. While the country has made commendable strides over the past two decades – most notably by enrolling approximately…
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Digital Primary Healthcare in Africa: Building Resilience
The recent decision by major donor countries to reduce global health funding has sent shockwaves through sub-Saharan Africa. The consequences of stop-work orders issued in January 2025 have already impacted HIV programmes and other critical health responses. However, this crisis presents a vital opportunity for African nations to take greater ownership of their health systems. It can be done by…
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Life Healthcare Digital Strategy: Human Care Remains Key
As the global medical sector races toward automation and artificial intelligence, the head of one of South Africa’s largest private hospital groups has issued a poignant reminder. Technology cannot replace the nurse at the bedside. However, a well-defined Life Healthcare digital strategy aims to integrate technology without losing the human touch. Peter Wharton-Hood, CEO of Life Healthcare, emphasised this philosophy…
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Medical Scheme Tax Credits: Treasury Resists Reallocation for NHI
A significant policy rift has emerged within the South African government over funding for the National Health Insurance (NHI). This debate concerns the future of medical scheme tax credits. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the NHI Act into law in May 2024, yet Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana remains reluctant to implement the funding mechanisms required by the law. In a recent…
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Global Fund Financing Crisis and African Health Risks
The era of expansive multilateral health financing appears to be waning, as evidenced by the sombre outcome of last week’s high-stakes financing event for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Despite rhetoric about international solidarity, the Global Fund financing crisis was laid bare when the organisation raised only $11.34bn, falling woefully short of its $18bn target. Held…
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Competency-Based Medical Curriculum: A Critical Review
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has issued a stern warning. It concerns the implementation of a new training model launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO). SAMA argues that speed should not come at the expense of patient safety. Following the WHO Regional Office for Africa’s launch of a new competency-based medical curriculum, SAMA has cautioned against viewing the…