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Progress on HIV brings hope to the province of KwaZulu Natal
During a meeting with UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, the Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize highlighted that progress made in the province has begun to turn around the AIDS epidemic in the South African Province which has been most affected by HIV.
KwaZulu Natal has made remarkable progress in expanding access to antiretroviral treatment as well as in reducing new HIV infections. From 2011 to the beginning of 2013 more than 300 000 men have undergone medical male...
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New medicines regulator delayed
Business Day | 4 June 2013
THE Department of Health still cannot say when the much-delayed South African Health Products Regulatory Agency (Sahpra) is likely to come into effect.
Despite the April 1 target set by last year’s health budget vote, there is still no sign of the new entity. The department envisaged Sahpra as the solution to the problems besetting the medicines regulator, the Medicines Control Council (MCC), which takes longer than regulators in the US and Europe to approve new drugs or clinical...
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UNAIDS to establish international scientific expert panel on HIV
The Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Michel Sidibé today announced the appointment of South African scientist, Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim as Chair of the newly established UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel. Mr Sidibe made the announcement in Durban, South Africa during his opening address at a UNAIDS Scientific Symposium on the implications of the “Mississippi baby” for public health programmes on mother-to-child transmission...
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Gauteng health MEC says progress is being made
Business Day | 3 June 2013
GAUTENG’s health department hopes to avert organisational decline and the collapse of service delivery through its turnaround strategy and "fiscal discipline on all levels", the Gauteng legislature heard on Friday.
The department has one financial year left to turn the tide of Gauteng public health, after the provincial treasury intervened to address its troubles, which include three qualified audits since 2007 and the loss of suppliers who were not paid for their services.
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SA Prof to head UNAIDS science panel
Health-e News | 3 June 2013
The Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Michel Sidibé today announced the appointment of South African scientist, Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim as Chair of the newly established UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel. Mr Sidibe made the announcement in Durban, South Africa during his opening address at a UNAIDS Scientific Symposium on the implications of the “Mississippi baby” for public health programmes on mother-to-child...
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Circumcision Device Approved by World Health Organization
A nonsurgical circumcision device that relies on a rubber band was approved by the World Health Organization on Friday, opening the way for its widespread use in Africa. The device, known as PrePex, is the only adult circumcision method, other than conventional surgery, to gain W.H.O. acceptance. Dr. Eric P.
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The United Nations lays out “historic” post 2015 development agenda
The United Nations is on the cusp of entering a bold new phase in ending poverty and ensuring meaningful and sustainable development for all. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched on 30 May 2013 a momentous and eagerly awaited report that puts forward a single United Nations development agenda beyond 2015.
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Motsoaledi seeks to quell fear over circumcision
Business Day | 31 May 2013
HEALTH Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has spoken out against growing fear regarding circumcision, following the recent spate of mutilations and deaths at traditional rural circumcision schools, saying the procedure is by and large safe and necessary to prevent contracting HIV/AIDS.
Dr Motsoaledi on Thursday spoke at the launch of a voluntary medical male circumcision campaign on the Tshwane University of Technology’s main campus.
The campaign aims to promote male circumcision at clinics...
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Smoking in South Africa
Health-e News | 30 May 2013
Tobacco legislation in South Africa is constantly changing, and ignorant smokers may find themselves on the wrong side of the law with fines of up to R100 000. Here is what smokers should know, and the changes they can expect in future.
Current legislation
A number of tobacco laws are often misunderstood or plainly ignored.
· No smoking is allowed in a public space unless it is a designated smoking area. Currently no more than 25 percent of any...
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Specialist clinics ‘are key to cutting costs, waste’
Business Day | 30 May 2013
PATIENTS would get a better deal, doctors would earn more and medical aid schemes could save money if there were more specialised hospitals, the head of South Africa’s biggest medical scheme administrator, Discovery Health, said on Wednesday.
Hospitals that focused on specific areas of competence such as eye surgery or orthopaedics had much greater scope to reduce waste and cut costs without compromising quality, said Discovery Health CEO Jonathan Broomberg.
"Almost all of our...
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Investing in women
Health-e News | 29 May 2013
Women remain the last to be fed, schooled and given access to healthcare, despite huge gains, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the 3rd Women Deliver meeting this week.
Speaking via video, Clinton said the world had to renew its efforts to deliver on the promises “we made to women and girls around the world”.
More than 3 000 delegates including government leaders, royalty, first ladies, policymakers and advocates from over 150 countries are meeting in...
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Prof defends tobacco packaging
Health-e News | 29 May 2013
Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on Friday health authorities are calling for tighter controls over tobacco advertising and branding.
But a law professor from Stellenbosch University has come out in defense of the tobacco industry, saying that tighter regulations will be “ineffective and improper”.
South Africa’s already has strict smoking legislation, which bans tobacco advertising and smoking in public places, but Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has indicated...
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