News: Op-Ed

Rural healthcare — a constant struggle against heavy odds

As the government fails to fulfil its constitutional mandate of providing equitable healthcare services to all South Africans, healthcare workers have stepped in. They often have to moonlight as researchers, community advocates and social workers, and even contribute to health policy development.

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OPINION: The promise of a financial boost for TB programmes – where to from here?

South Africa’s new roadmap to tackle HIV, TB and sexually transmitted infections – the National Strategic Plan – lays out an ambitious list of priority actions that need to be undertaken over the next five years. The plan, released on World TB Day on 24 March, has been lauded for its multisectoral approach.

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TB programmes are all very well, but better governance will make them effective

There are clear gaps in the cycle of governance around South Africa’s TB response. The country has a well-considered policy framework in place and is often at the forefront of new technical solutions, but this does not consistently translate into effective implementation.

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OPINION | Govt’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to monitor efficacy of TB programmes

For the ordinary person living in South Africa right now, Covid-19 is a non-event: no one checks caseloads, thinks about new variants, worries about symptoms, or thinks about vaccines.

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OPINION: Budget 2023 – opportunity missed to refocus public health spending?

The right to access healthcare services is guaranteed to everyone under Section 27 of the South African Constitution. On a population health level, South Africa has made good progress over the last 20 years.

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Mid-term budget fails to show the way to a more resilient recovery

The Medium-term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) was tabled at a time of increased uncertainty and volatility characterised by rising global interest rates, downward revisions to the economic outlook, and very high unemployment.

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