A South African haematologist has played a key role in a major international breakthrough for treating haemophilia A, a rare genetic disorder. The pioneering new gene therapy offers a potential “functional cure” and renewed hope for accessible treatment in low- and middle-income countries. This marks a significant milestone in haemophilia gene therapy. Professor Johnny Mahlangu, a leading haematologist at the…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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New TB Vaccine Initiatives by South Africa
South Africa has taken a landmark step in its fight against tuberculosis (TB) by hosting the first-ever national workshop on TB vaccine preparedness. The event, co-convened by the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO), signals a new era in public health. It moves the conversation from treatment to outright prevention for adolescents and adults. With a new,…
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Medical Fraud: A Discussion on Race and Class
The long-awaited final report from the Section 59 inquiry has left more questions than answers regarding medical aid fraud in South Africa. The investigation, initiated by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) after complaints of racial bias from healthcare providers, found that while fraud detection methods were fair, black practitioners were disproportionately found guilty of fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA).…
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African Form of Type 1 Diabetes Challenges Old Beliefs
A recent discovery will reshape our understanding of how type 1 diabetes develops, particularly in individuals of African descent. Researchers have identified a new African form of type 1 diabetes that appears to be distinct from the typical autoimmune response. This finding could have profound implications for diagnosis and management worldwide, especially concerning the African form of type 1 diabetes.…
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Doctors and Nurses Exodus Threatening Patient Care
A staggering exodus of medical professionals is crippling South Africa’s public health sector. Official figures reveal that nearly 6,000 doctors and nurses are resigning from state facilities every year. This devastating brain drain is placing the nation’s healthcare system under immense pressure. As a result, hospitals are critically understaffed and vulnerable communities are left without care. Recent data presented in…
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Adcock Ingram to Delist Amidst Corporate Changes
Adcock Ingram, the pharmaceutical giant behind household brands such as Panado and Corenza-C, could delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). This follows a significant deal between its majority shareholder, Bidvest, and Indian drugmaker Natco Pharma. The news saw Adcock’s share price surge by 24%. Under the terms of the agreement, Indian-listed Natco Pharma will acquire a significant minority stake…
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NHI Dream and the Future of Healthcare Funding
The NHI dream of universal health coverage for all South Africans through the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is facing a harsh economic reality. Political parties are grappling with a deadlocked 2025/26 national budget. The significant financial challenges required to implement the NHI dream have become increasingly evident. This has cast doubt on its feasibility in the current environment. Staggering…
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Racial Bias Report: Are the Claims Valid?
A fuse has been lit in South Africa’s private healthcare industry following the release of a controversial racial bias report. It claims black healthcare providers are disproportionately targeted in fraud investigations. The Section 59 report, submitted to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, alleges systemic racial discrimination by medical schemes. However, leading industry bodies have hit back, labelling the racial bias…
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Robert F Kennedy Jr Faces Vaccine Controversy
In May 2025, Senate Republicans voted 49–51 to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. This occurred despite his lack of formal training in medicine or public health. Only Minority Leader Mitch McConnell opposed the nomination. He cited his own experience surviving polio before the advent of vaccines. Supporters had been swayed by Kennedy’s pledge…
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Medico-Legal Claims Impacting Public Health Budgets
South Africa’s public healthcare system is under severe financial strain. The total value of medico-legal claims against the state has skyrocketed to an astonishing R77 billion as of March 2024. Provincial health departments, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng, are battling thousands of lawsuits. These lawsuits divert critical funds away from essential patient services. In a written reply to…
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Climate Damage Affects Medication Adherence, fuels health crisis
South Africa’s overstretched public health system is facing a severe crisis. The intensifying effects of climate change wreak havoc on its infrastructure. The issue of climate damage is evident in a new study, which has found a direct link between damaged health facilities and patients failing to take their medication. This has devastating consequences for public health and mortality rates.…