Public health

Creating awareness of womens issues

Published by: 
Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa
Women's health is under the spotlight this month and Nursing Update asked Marion Stevens, project manager of the Treatment Monitor at Health Systems Trust a few important questions.

NGOs voice concerns over WHO's publications policy

Some thirty-five civil society organizations have voiced serious concerns over the World Health Organization's publications policy, arguing that the proposed policy, if implemented, will result in a tendency towards self-censorship by the WHO and its staff and HQ offices, to the detriment of the needs and interests of public health, especially in developing countries. They are also very concerned that this policy will hamper timely advice and support by WHO HQ and regional offices to member states over important issues such as application of intellectual property rights and the use of TRIPS flexibilities, other trade and health matters, reproductive health care and other critical issues.

PRESS STATEMENT: Civil Society calls on government to meet international HIV/AIDS obligations regarding sexual & reproductive health

In 2001 at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) South Africa signed the Declaration of Commitment in addressing the pandemic. Twelve of the Declarations goals relate to crucial aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

UNGASS REPORT ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INDICATORS

Published by: 
Health Systems Trust

This report is part of a bigger international effort through which NGOs from sixteen countries have collected strategic data on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights based on the goals in the 2001 UNGASS Declaration. The process was initiated by GESTOS Soropositividade, Comunicao e Gnero, an NGO in Brazil, and was funded by the Ford Foundation. The purpose of the study was to identify gaps and progresses in the implementation of activities addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Use of Health Care Services Double

The use of health care services has almost doubled over the past eight years with 101 million visits to clinics in the 2006/07 financial year, says Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

Big-spending SA failing on UN goals

SA is making no progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of reducing deaths among mothers and children under the age of five, warns a new report. The report raises the question why, despite its resources, SA is doing so badly. About 10,5% of the governments total spending (R716bn) is earmarked for health (R75,5bn), yet SA is one of the worst performers among the 68 countries assessed for the report because of their high death rates. SA is one of only 12 countries with rising child mortality rates, which climbed 15% between 1990 and 2006, from 60 to 69 deaths per 1000 live births. Maternal deaths remained constant at 400 per 100000 live births.

Draft UNGASS Report: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Indicators - A case study from South Africa

Published by: 
Health Systems Trust

A workshop was held in July 2007 hosted by MOSAIC at which the participating organisations discussed the identified indicators, refined these and shared research and findings. In collaboration with GESTOS (GESTOS - Soropositividade, Comunicao e Gnero) this forms part of a 16 country process.

Minister leads Healthy Lifestyle campaign

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will on Friday kick off the 2008 Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, focusing on addressing the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases. The campaign was introduced in 2004.