Written by Lillian Artz, Veronica Filippeschi and Nokwanda Nzimande The global female prison population has grown by a staggering 53% over the past decade. Yet little has been done to improve the system so that it supports those whom…
With South Africa expected to begin piloting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) early next year, experts have described the proposed rollout as a potential ‘game changer’ in the fight against the virus. It is primed to provide an additional HIV…
Inequalities obstruct the end of the Aids epidemic after a new UNAIDs report revealed that adults and children are being denied treatment. Over half of these kids are living on lifesaving medicines. The report titled ‘Dangerous Inequalities’ reveals…
South Africa is feeling the impact of climate change. The recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, consistent droughts in the Western Cape, water scarcity, and heat waves all over the country are examples of some of the consequences. And as a result, it…
A new study has shown moderate increases in exercise can help prevent one in five cases of depression among women. Several global studies show the link between physical activity and mental well-being, but this is the first study of its kind done…
As South Africa marks the end of cervical cancer awareness month, experts have urged women to get screened often and avoid becoming a statistic. The country has a high prevalence, with 1 in 42 women having a lifetime risk of…
Health professionals are often targeted by formula milk companies, given their strong influence on mothers and infant feeding attitudes and practices. To counter their often aggressive marketing campaigns, a local expert believes health science students can act as agents of…
Active pharmaceutical ingredient shortages, production delays, and quality control issues are some of the reasons for a shortage of contraceptives between April and June this year. The Health Department revealed this in its response to the release of the latest…
Though infections are on the steady decline, the prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), is a concern for South Africa’s ailing healthcare system. And experts have warned that the country urgently needs a national health strategy to address this burden. This…
Food insecurity is becoming a problem for more South African women who head up the majority of single-person households. Statistics released in 2021 reveal that almost a quarter of SA households are run by one individual. According to a survey…
Millions of South African school girls have to contend with their monthly periods without having any access to sanitary products. Making their lives even more difficult, is the prevalence of stigmas which only worsen period poverty – a huge problem…
Cervical cancer-that affects the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus- is the deadliest among South African women, and the second most common behind breast cancer. Although highly treatable if detected early on, the country’s high prevalence rate is a…
An expert in reproductive health has given women peace of mind as myths continue to do the rounds during the ongoing pandemic – the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle. Professor Helen Rees, head of the Reproductive Health and…
The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to be an urgent public health issue in South Africa. While prevention will always be better than a cure, the prevalence of STIs, especially among women, makes it important to understand early…
More than half of South African women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and the impact on their mental health is devastating. Studies show that these survivors are three times more likely to contemplate suicide as an outlet. GBV is a…