South Africa’s public health system is under strain. It is buckling under the immense pressure of more than 25,000 critical staff vacancies, shrinking budgets, and a staggering national debt of R24 billion in accruals. An investigation into provincial health departments reveals a sector in crisis. Dwindling resources are colliding with overwhelming patient demand. This forces the postponement of essential medical…
Tag: Public Health
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Dementia Increasing in Africa: Causes and Solutions
Dementia is increasing in Africa and the Middle East faster than in any other region in the world. This was a stark warning highlighted at the 17th International Federation on Ageing (IFA) conference, held for the first time on African soil in Cape Town. However, the resounding message from global experts is one of hope and empowerment. Up to 45%…
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Shortage of Medical Specialists in KZN Creating Waiting Lists
An alarming shortage of medical specialists across KwaZulu-Natal’s major government hospitals is creating a public health crisis. Tens of thousands of patients face dangerously long waiting times for critical care. The situation poses a “serious risk” to the public, according to Dr Imran Keeka, the DA’s spokesperson on health in the KZN legislature. Recent replies from Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane…
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Cheaper Weight-Loss Drugs for Global Health Needs
\n\nThe decision directly affects the popular GLP-1 agonist drugs, including the active ingredients in brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. \n\n\n\nThe WHO’s recommendation aims to pressure pharmaceutical giants to lower prices and encourage the production of affordable generic versions. This is particularly important for people in developing countries, where they are needed most.\n\n\n\nThis move underscores the severity of the global…
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Africa’s Cholera Crisis Deepens as 2025 Death Toll Rises
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a stark warning. They declare cholera the continent’s leading public health threat as case numbers and fatalities continue to soar in 2025. Africa’s Cholera Crisis is becoming increasingly severe. The specialised healthcare agency of the African Union revealed in a recent briefing a concerning detail. The death toll…
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Mpox Global Emergency Downgraded by World Health Officials
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that mpox is no longer a public health emergency of international concern, its highest level of alert. The decision comes after a significant and sustained fall in infection rates in key African nations. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the downgrade. The organisation’s Emergency Committee recommended it. The World Health Organisation (WHO)…
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Children’s Lives at Risk as US Proposes Slashing Funds for Gavi
In a move putting children’s lives at risk, the US government has announced its intention to cut funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. It is a key organisation credited with saving millions of lives through childhood immunisation. The decision comes at a critical time, as rising vaccine hesitancy contributes to a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles worldwide. The proposed…
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Florida’s ‘Vaccine War’ Sparks Outrage and Debate
Florida is becoming the new epicentre of America’s “vaccine wars.” This follows Governor Ron DeSantis’s announcement to eliminate all vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. The plan has ignited immediate and fierce opposition from political rivals and the medical community. The move, if successful, would make Florida the largest US state to dismantle long-standing public health requirements for immunisations. The controversial proposal…
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Gilead’s Lenacapavir to Reach High-Burden Nations ‘At Cost’
The US government and Gilead Sciences have announced a landmark plan to supply the long-acting HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, at cost to high-burden countries. This initiative aims to protect 2 million people via PEPFAR and The Global Fund. In a major step forward for global public health, the United States State Department announced a groundbreaking plan on Thursday. The aim…
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HIV Prevention Injection Changes the Game in Treatment
South Africa will introduce a new lenacapavir injection. This twice-yearly shot is for HIV prevention. It will be in select public clinics by April 2026. This marks a big step forward for the nation. It offers a great alternative to daily pills. However, another injectable, cabotegravir, is stalled. It had a four-year head start. The availability of a new HIV…
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South Africa’s Ambulance Crisis: A Public Health Emergency
Citizens are dangerously exposed during emergencies. The National Department of Health reports a major deficit. This is South Africa’s ambulance crisis. It has tragic consequences for patients. The Shocking Scale of South Africa’s Ambulance Crisis The country needs 6,228 public ambulances. This is based on its population of 62 million. The current fleet only has 4,007 vehicles. This represents a…
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Rare Fungal Infection Poses New Threat in South Africa
Doctors in Bloemfontein have confirmed a new case. It is the first of its kind in the region. This rare fungal infection is very aggressive. Researchers found it in a severely immunocompromised patient. This poses a new and dangerous threat. A team from UFS and NHLS found the case. It is a world-first in an HIV-positive person. Health officials say…