South Africa faces a significant and complex mental health challenge, contributing to SA’s mental health crisis. Widespread issues, including the enduring impact of childhood trauma, pervasive poverty and unemployment, the ongoing burden of HIV, and the historical legacy of political and social violence, drive it. As a result, a large proportion of the population grapples with mental health disorders. This…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Global Pandemic Treaty: A New Era of Cooperation
In April, World Health Organisation (WHO) member states concluded the negotiations for a new pandemic treaty, often referred to as the Global Pandemic Treaty. These demonstrate a crucial capacity for nations to unite despite escalating geopolitical tensions. Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the negotiating body, delivered this key message at the annual Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) conference in Cape Town.…
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Traditional Healer Uses AI for Medicinal Plant Identification
In a pioneering move that merges centuries-old healing practices with cutting-edge technology, Onke Simandla, a traditional healer, has demonstrated how a traditional healer uses AI. He achieved this by developing an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) app capable of identifying medicinal plants. This remarkable achievement formed the basis of his recently awarded master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare. It…
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Gauteng Health pay chaos sparks doctor fury
The non-arrival of their expected commuted overtime payments left public sector doctors across Gauteng reeling. The Gauteng Health pay chaos blindsided the medical community and caused significant distress. This sudden non-payment, affecting medical staff province-wide, has ignited a firestorm. It exacerbates existing tensions over the Gauteng Department of Health’s controversial plans to cut and alter overtime terms. These changes occur…
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Pharmaceutical tariffs could hike drug costs by billions
A recent analysis commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) indicates that a potential 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports into the United States could dramatically increase the cost of medications for American patients. The Ernst & Young report estimates that US drug costs could surge by nearly $51 billion annually. This could lead to a price increase…
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Australia’s Crumbling Universal Healthcare: What’s Wrong?
From the idyllic coastal town of Streaky Bay, South Australia, a stark reality unfolds: Australia’s crumbling universal healthcare system, Medicare, is under immense strain. Once a source of national pride, the system now grapples with inadequate funding, critical staff shortages, and escalating costs. This leaves vulnerable populations without essential care. This situation exemplifies how Australia’s crumbling universal healthcare affects even…
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Antibiotic Resistance Claims Lives of Premature Babies
South Africa is facing a critical public health crisis as antibiotic resistance increasingly undermines life-saving treatments, particularly for vulnerable infants. Experts say that antibiotic-resistant infections are now the leading cause of neonatal mortality in the country. This is especially true among premature babies who are prone to hospital-acquired infections. Antibiotic resistance claims lives needlessly, highlighting the severity of the crisis.…
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HIV deaths in SA may be four times higher than reported
Concerns over the accuracy of South Africa’s official mortality statistics have been amplified by a recent South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) study. The study highlights the need to revisit HIV deaths in SA. This is given the potential discrepancies in reported data. The research suggests a dramatic undercounting of HIV-related deaths. These may be potentially four times higher than…
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PEPFAR Funding Cuts Threaten South Africa’s Health
A concerning new study has highlighted the potentially catastrophic consequences for South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS. This could occur if the United States implements PEPFAR funding cuts. Additionally, the South African government does not significantly increase its investment. The research indicates that such a scenario by 2028 could lead to an alarming 65,000 additional AIDS-related deaths. There could also be…
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Adcock Ingram’s Urizone Wins Trademark Battle
A South African court has ruled in favour of Adcock Ingram and Zambon SPA. It ordered Cipla Medpro to stop using the trademark Furizome for its urinary tract infection (UTI) medication. The court found Furizome to be confusingly similar to the established Urizone trademark, central to Adcock Ingram’s branding strategy. This led to a ruling based on trademark infringement and…