South Africa faces a critical challenge: a child stunting rate that has stubbornly remained around 25% since the 1990s. This chronic malnutrition, where children are too short for their age, doesn’t just impact physical development. It significantly hinders intellectual growth, potentially reducing the country’s per capita GDP by a staggering 10%. While the Child Support Grant (CSG) has proven effective,…
Category: June 2024
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HFA’s NHI Court Challenge: A Legal Perspective
The contentious National Health Insurance (NHI) Act again faces court action, with HFA’s NHI court challenge marking its sixth legal challenge. This time, HFA’s NHI court challenge is brought by the Health Funders Association (HFA). The HFA represents a significant portion of South Africa’s medical scheme industry, including Discovery Health Medical Scheme. It has formally petitioned the court to declare…
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India plans incentives for diabetes, obesity drug makers
According to Arunish Chawla, secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, India plans to incentivise local production of GLP-1 drugs, which treat diabetes and obesity, starting in 2026. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for diabetes, are now widely used for obesity treatment due to their ability to slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk’s patent on…
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Increased miscarriage and stillbirth during extreme weather
The risk of miscarriage or stillbirth can be up to 8% higher during extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves, according to recent studies. This alarming statistic has prompted the South African Health Department, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), to launch a pilot project that will send weather warnings to pregnant women and mothers of young…
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Robotic surgery revolutionises public healthcare
In a groundbreaking development for public healthcare, two hospitals in the Western Cape have introduced cutting-edge robotic surgery systems. The da Vinci Xi systems, known for their precision and advanced capabilities, are now operational at Tygerberg Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital, marking a first for public hospitals in South Africa. The da Vinci Xi System: A Leap in Surgical Precision…
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FDA unveils plan to boost diversity in clinical trials
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new draft guidance to enhance racial, ethnic, and other forms of diversity in clinical trials conducted by drugmakers and medical device manufacturers. The recommendations offer a structured approach for companies and researchers to set and achieve enrolment goals segmented by age, ethnicity, sex, and race. The initiative seeks to address the…
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Obesity drugs show promise in combatting substance abuse
In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers have uncovered that obesity drugs, traditionally prescribed for weight management, could play a significant role in combating substance abuse. This dual functionality of obesity medications is poised to revolutionise the approach to both obesity and addiction, offering hope where previous treatments may have fallen short. At the forefront of this research is a class of…
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BMA Activates Mpox Plan with New Screening Measures
The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) has activated its outbreak preparedness plan in response to the rising cases of Mpox. The National Department of Health has confirmed 13 cases across the country. Yesterday, BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato announced the implementation of a robust screening process at all South African ports of entry. This process aims to detect and…
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Scientists hail injectable drug for HIV prevention
Early results from the Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 trial reveal that an injectable antiretroviral drug, administered twice a year, can effectively prevent HIV infection in cisgender women. Professor Thesla Palanee-Phillips, director of clinical trials at Wits RHI, hailed the findings as historic, saying this is the first HIV prevention trial ever to show zero HIV infections with an intervention. The…
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Junior doctors cry foul over discrepancies in board exams
Seventy percent of foreign-trained doctors who took board exams in October 2023 and February 2024 failed. However, around 250 junior doctors have identified discrepancies in their examination scripts. They are now seeking intervention from the Information Regulator to compel the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to release their exam scripts. Supported by the South African International Trained Health…
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Impact of climate change on children’s mental health
Climate change is causing significant psychological stress and trauma in children, according to a recent report by advocacy organisation Section27. The report highlights the particular vulnerability of children to the extreme weather conditions associated with climate change, such as floods, heat waves, cold fronts, and droughts. Children’s biological susceptibility to these events stems from their unique developmental needs, including nutritional…
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The Rise of Post-Pandemic Illnesses: Why People Are Sicker Now
Recent data reveals a troubling global trend. People are getting sick more often. Illnesses also appear to be more severe. This has led experts to study the rise of post-pandemic illnesses. Several factors contribute to this situation. Understanding them is key to protecting public health. Data from health agencies shows this increase. There is a surge in communicable diseases. These…