Stellenbosch University’s new Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) is both revolutionising healthcare in South Africa and setting new standards for biomedical science. Additionally, the R1.2 billion facility has over 500 researchers and students working in fields such as bioinformatics, tuberculosis, neuroscience…
Written by Dr. Susan Winks, Head of Research Operations and Business Development, H3D Research Centre, University of Cape Town, and Prof. Kelly Chibale, Founder and Director, H3D Research Centre, University of Cape Town Africa’s disease burden continues to cripple…
In mid-November 2022 the eight billionth person will be born, according to the United Nations. In its analysis of this milestone, the UN makes two key observations. The first is that the global population has been expanding at its slowest…
Most of the COVID-19 variants found in Africa during the pandemic originated mainly from Europe, but the continent was the hardest hit by travel bans. This is according to a study published in the medical journal Science last week. Over 300 authors…
A vaccine candidate, called R21, has been shown to be up to 80% effective at preventing malaria in young children, according to the latest trial results. This follows from a study published in 2021 from the same team at Oxford…
In many parts of the world, including Africa, people rely on rainwater as a source of drinking water, as well as for other household and livelihood uses. One of the reasons is water scarcity – sub-Saharan Africa has the largest…
Researchers have discovered that a widely used blood test to detect kidney function is off the mark among African populations. The serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. According to the National Kidney Foundation, creatinine is:…
Over four thousand new HIV infections are recorded among girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa every week. However, an expert believes that access to information about the virus can turn these numbers around. Patricia Machawira, the United Nations Educational,…
A global health advisor believes that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have lost ground as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 two years on. The impact of losing sight of the fight against diseases like tuberculosis and cancers will be felt…
An expert believes that South Africa’s low rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) will remain a concern until new mothers are offered more support and education. Katinka Lategan, a certified lactation consultant, said mothers face several challenges because they are not…
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, hailed South Africa’s mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub as a step in the right direction as the African continent plays catch-up in COVID-19 vaccine production. Over 84% of Africans are yet…
President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the opening of a new vaccine plant in Cape Town as Africa’s ticket into a new era of health science during its launch earlier today. South African-born health technologies billionaire, Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong, joined Ramaphosa as…
Adolescent girls and young women have a higher chance of being affected by HIV/AIDS and if not prioritised, the goal of eradicating HIV by 2030, will remain nothing but a fantasy. So says Kenyan-based activist, Irene Ogeta. “The world’s biggest…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended South Africa for rapidly detecting, sequencing, and reporting the new variant of the novel coronavirus. But, is concerned that vaccine inequity throughout Africa, might lead to the COVID-19 virus spreading and mutating. WHO…
Climate change could pose huge obstacles in the fight against malaria given heavy rains and high temperatures – perfect conditions for the deadly disease to flourish. An article in the United Nations’ UN Chronicle, titled ‘Climate Change on Malaria –…