South Africa is seeing a sharp rise in measles infections, even as rubella cases fall. New surveillance data from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) show measles cases are increasing across provinces, with signs of ongoing community transmission and a potential immunity gap among older age groups. The NICD said data from 29 December 2025 to 12 April 2026…
Tag: Primary Care
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The Depression Treatment Gap affects Millions in South Africa
New modelling suggests South Africa’s depression burden remains large, even as prevalence has edged down slightly over two decades. One important issue is the depression treatment gap, which still affects many living with the condition. Estimates indicate depression among people aged 15 and older fell from about 5.1% in 2002 to 4.5% in 2024. That still translates to more than…
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Asymptomatic TB is the Hidden Driver of Transmission
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s toughest infectious diseases. It is curable, yet it still sickens millions each year and kills tens of thousands in South Africa. One reason is that TB can spread quietly. People can carry active disease in their lungs and remain infectious while feeling fine. This state is increasingly described as asymptomatic TB. Classic TB symptoms…
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Medical Aid Tax Credits and Public Health Jobs
South Africa’s public health crisis is no longer only about disease burden. It is also about staffing, budgets and political choices. Furthermore, a new argument gaining traction is that austerity is shrinking frontline services. At the same time, the tax system still cushions households that can afford private cover, especially through benefits like Medical Aid Tax Credits. The government has…