insert_link Health / Medical Technology makes it possible to diagnose diseases on the spot – but South Africa’s public healthcare system faces several obstacles By Tivani Mashamba-Thompson, University of Pretoria Digital technology has hugely improved healthcare in many ways. It’s now possible to test patients on the spot – in a clinic or hospital – for many health conditions. Digital diagnostic devices can analyse samples like sweat, saliva, faeces, tears and breath for signs of major diseases such as cancer and HIV. Testing at the point […] todayJune 26, 2024 30
insert_link Health / Medical SA’s Border Management Authority implements preparedness plan for Mpox South Africa’s Border Management Authority commissioner, Michael Masiapato has announced that the authority's port health officials have developed an outbreak preparedness plan that outlines the response in dealing with Mpox. Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi says 13 cases have been confirmed by the Department of Health. todayJune 25, 2024 26
insert_link Health / Medical Senegal tightens anti-Covid controls after Mecca deaths Senegal said today it had implemented voluntary Covid-19 screening tests and reimposed the wearing of masks at Dakar's international airport for returning pilgrims fearing the virus was linked to the deaths of some Mecca pilgrims. Dakar suspects that a number of the some 1,300 deaths -- according to a Saudi tally -- are down to a respiratory syndrome ailment such as Covid-19, Health Minister Ibrahima Sy […] todayJune 24, 2024 12
insert_link Health / Medical What is cervical cancer and how can it be prevented? Answers to key questions By Abba Mallum, University of KwaZulu-Natal; Beatrice M’mboga Akala, University of the Witwatersrand; Maureen Bilinga Tendwa, Rhodes University; Rakiya Saidu, University of Cape Town; Stephen Avery, University of Pennsylvania; Twalib Ngoma, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, and Wil Ngwa, Johns Hopkins University In 2020 the World Health Organization rolled out a global strategy to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030. This is the fourth-most […] todayJune 24, 2024 19
insert_link Health / Medical Your wig could be poisoning you: study finds pesticides and other toxic chemicals in synthetic hair in Nigeria By Nwanne Dike Ijere, Federal University of Technology Owerri Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many black African women. Natural hair requires special care and attention, though, which can be time consuming. Wigs (human or synthetic hair), weave-ons and other artificial hair extensions offer women an alternative to their natural hair. In Nigeria, these alternatives are very popular with women, both young […] todayJune 24, 2024 20
insert_link Health / Medical The impact of breast cancer treatments on bone health. By Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, specialist surgeon with an interest in breast, thyroid and parathyroid health as well as soft tissue surgical oncology Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women[1]. A comprehensive research effort stretching back more than half a century makes breast cancer the most well understood cancer, with advanced screening and treatment therapies available. Women are surviving longer, have increased remission rates and, […] todayJune 21, 2024 25
insert_link Health / Medical Global pandemic treaty will help fight future threats: top negotiator on how talks are going By Precious Matsoso, University of the Witwatersrand For the past two years the World Health Organization’s 194 member states have been negotiating an international accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. This was driven by the need to ensure the world is better prepared for future pandemics. The outcome of the government-led negotiations was presented to the annual meeting of the World Health Assembly […] todayJune 21, 2024 10
insert_link Health / Medical Heat exposure during pregnancy can lead to a lifetime of health problems By Matthew Chersich, University of the Witwatersrand and Darshnika Pemi Lakhoo, University of the Witwatersrand Climate change is one of the greatest public health threats humanity has ever faced. Global warming is part of this threat. Increasing temperatures are linked to deteriorating health, especially in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. Scientists have previously shown that heat exposure increases the risk of preterm […] todayJune 20, 2024 29
insert_link Health / Medical South African Health Department to Explore AI for Faster Tuberculosis and Silicosis Diagnosis The S.A Department of Health says it’s considering exploring artificial intelligence tools to accelerate tuberculosis and silicosis diagnosis. Following the World Health Organisation's recommendations, the department is hosting a conference from today until Saturday in Sandton, Gauteng, to discuss using AI to improve diagnosis and address backlogs, especially among mineworkers. The department’s, Foster Mohale says the conference will feature health professionals, mining representatives, and AI tech companies to promote awareness […] todayJune 20, 2024 28