Department Of Health
latest news & developments
Hantavirus strain confirmed
The outbreak has entered a more serious phase after authorities confirmed that two cases detected in SA involve the Andes variant
Teen pregnancies are dramatically dropping. But researchers aren’t sure why
New research shows a steep decline in adolescent pregnancy rates across all nine provinces from 2021 to 2025, reversing course from previous years. It’s good news, even if it’s…
Health director-general Sandile Buthelezi, two other officials arrested for fraud, theft
Buthelezi was previously implicated and later cleared in the Digital Vibes scandal
Aaron Motsoaledi: Health
SCORE: C The Department of Health earns a C this year. Unlike previous years of total decline, the department hit major targets, particularly in its massive HIV and TB programs.…
ActionSA pushes for constitutional change as Operation Dudula targets migrants at clinics
The Human Rights Commission and legal experts say the Constitution, the National Health Act, the UN Refugee Convention and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights…
Government U-turn on cannabis food products ban after public outcry
The presidency intervened, saying there should be more stakeholder consultation and public participation in the formulation of new regulations
Cannabis hopes go up in smoke
Industry groups and experts are demanding the department of health withdraw its prohibition on foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp
Editorial: Nuance is absent from cannabis conversation
The latest gut punch arrived earlier this month with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gazetting a blanket ban on edible cannabis products
Cultural barriers may limit AI’s success in maternal healthcare in Africa
A study has found that artificial intelligence apps need to include data sets and traditional practices
Gender commission report highlights ‘critical deficiencies’ in Eastern Cape maternity, neonatal facilities
Failures in infrastructure, maintenance and governance are contributing to maternal and neonatal deaths in the province
Breaking the cycle: Ending childhood pregnancy in South Africa
Early and unintended pregnancies remain a critical challenge in South Africa, significantly impacting the health, education and socioeconomic prospects of girls
Free State schools reports human rhinovirus outbreak
The provincial health department ordered the schools to shut their doors after about 100 pupils were infected with the virus, as well as influenza B
How South Africa is legislating its way into a healthcare crisis
Unregulated tariffs and the lack of low-cost benefit schemes drive up the price of medical aid premiums, causing patients to feel the pain
Why the health department can’t employ more doctors
South Africa has close to 700 medical doctors who haven’t been able to find a job in the public sector since qualifying
Employment for doctors is increasing in public sector, says Phaahla
But there are still not enough vacancies for junior doctors, according to the minister