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…
Tag: Medical Research
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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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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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Emergency Vaccinations Reduce Global Disease Deaths
New research has revealed the immense power of emergency vaccination programmes. These programmes have reduced deaths from five major infectious diseases by an estimated 60% over the past two decades. The study, the first of its kind, also highlights the colossal economic benefits of rapid vaccine deployment. Researchers estimate these benefits at tens of billions of dollars. Researchers analysed the…
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HIV/AIDS Funding Gap: Government Steps In
The South African government has stepped in with a crucial R753.5 million injection from the National Treasury to sustain the nation’s HIV/Aids programmes. This vital funding seeks to close the HIV/AIDS funding gap. The withdrawal of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) significantly impacted this gap. This move had threatened to derail decades of progress in…
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SA Scientists Pioneer Nanotech Therapy for Lethal Melanoma
In a significant medical breakthrough, scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have developed a novel therapy for melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The innovative treatment combines advanced nanotechnology with a natural compound found in turmeric. This combination provides a powerful, targeted attack directly to cancer cells. The research by Wits University’s Advanced Drug Delivery Platform…
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Childhood Obesity: Addressing Lifestyle Diseases Early
**Focus Keywords:** Childhood obesity South Africa, child health, lifestyle diseases, hypertension in children, SAMRC study, healthy eating for kids A devastating childhood obesity crisis is leading to children, some as young as five, developing severe lifestyle-related diseases. These are typically found in middle-aged adults, a new study from South Africa has revealed. Poor eating habits and a lack of physical…
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Early-Onset Cancer Cases Surge Dramatically
There has been an alarming surge in early-onset cancer cases worldwide. Specifically, there is a 79.1% increase since the 1990s, leaving scientists puzzled. A disturbing trend is sweeping the globe: cancer, a disease often associated with ageing, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people. Over the past three decades, research has shown a concerning surge in malignancies affecting adults under…
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Treasury Weighs Emergency Funding for Health Needs
The South African National Treasury is reviewing critical funding requests from the Department of Health and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). This is to mitigate the severe financial impact of cuts imposed by the US President Donald Trump’s administration. The Treasury is weighing emergency funding to address these urgent needs. This consideration follows a significant blow to South…
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The Rise in Obesity: Rethinking Our Response
The global rise in obesity, particularly among children and young people, is a pressing health concern. A recent study reveals that the proportion of young people (aged 5-24) living with obesity more than tripled from 2% in 1990 to over 6% by 2021. South Africa faces a particularly severe challenge. Specifically, 16% of children aged 6-18 are classified as “severely…