Headlines
MedicalNew legislation on medicines to save consumers 20%[Gabi Khumalo] The Single Exit Price legislation introduced by the Department of Health has resulted in an approximate 20% savings for consumers on medicines, according to Board Healthcare Funders (BHF) of Southern Africa. 2010 Medical Advisory Team and Venue Medical Officers announcedToday the 11th of June 2008 represents exactly two years to the kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(tm) and it is appropriate at this stage to reflect on important milestones on the journey to the first African FIFA World Cup. Government offers reasurrance to private hospitals - Bespoke Strategic CommunicationsPrivate hospitals are essential to the sustainability of health care in South Africa, Director-General for Health, Thami Mseleku, assured delegates to the annual Hospital Association of SA (HASA) Conference in Somerset West today (12 June 2008). Many happy returns - Nicolette DudaJune is Blood Donor Month. Bizcommunity.com reader survey launches - Bizcommunity.comCome on now... be honest - what do you really think of Bizcommunity.com? What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? What could we do better? We are inviting you, our valued subscribers and readers, to give us your bouquets and brickbats because we want to improve our service and our offering to you.
Chronic diseasesRosiglitazone reduces incidence of diabetic retinopathyThe diabetes medication rosiglitazone has been associated with a reduction in the likelihood of developing the eye disease called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Foot amputations an avoidable complication of diabetes - Jenni Newman Public RelationsIt is estimated that every 30 seconds a lower limb has to be amputated somewhere in the world as a consequence of diabetes.
Corporate Social ResponsibilityGlobal recognition for SA bankStandard Bank has been awarded the Global Business Coalition (GBC)'s Award for Business Excellence for its HIV/AIDS Workplace Program in 2008. The award effectively recognises the best workplace AIDS program in the world. Kids have quacking good time with Goggles Nestlé Nutren Junior's brand ambassador visits children in the paediatric ward at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital to spread a bit of cheer. Zac opens the door to the Web for autistic kidsAfter observing his autistic grandson Zackary's frustration when trying to use the Internet, John LeSieur designed Zac, a browser that simplifies and filters the Web so that it's easier and less intimidating for Zackary to use. Zac isn't guaranteed to help all autistic children - each pattern of abilities and impairments is different. Still, educators of autistic students have shown interest in the software. Global recognition for Standard Bank Group - Magna CartaStandard Bank has been awarded the Global Business Coalition (GBC)'s Award for Business Excellence for its HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme in 2008. Ryk breathes easy ahead of August Olympic Games - Cipla MedproLocal pharmaceutical company Cipla will be assisting one of SA's finest athletes, Ryk Neethling, in his quest for success at the Beijing Olympics this August.
Food crisisETHIOPIA: "We do not have anything in the house"Expecting that the rains would fall soon so she could plant some vegetables, Nuria Mohammed sold her five cattle cheaply to raise some money to buy food for her family.
HIV/AIDSZIMBABWE: AIDS service NGOs allowed to resume operationsThe Zimbabwe government has exempted AIDS relief organisations from a ban on NGOs operating in the country, but advocacy groups have reacted cautiously to the news. Coinfection of tuberculosis and HIV poses global threatThe interaction between the twin pandemics of HIV and tuberculosis could soon become a "threat to global health security," particularly with the emergence of almost untreatable strains of tuberculosis, said experts at this week's HIV and tuberculosis global leaders' forum at the United Nations. SOUTH AFRICA: HIV and depression - something to talk aboutTemba* had watched a string of friends and family die from AIDS-related illnesses before he himself tested positive for HIV in 2004. Convinced he was next, he kept his status to himself and lay awake at night contemplating suicide. Mauritius: No longer forbidden loveLast year, Camille Liu's* future was looking good. He had met a woman - "a perfect match" - while working in Mozambique as an electrician. They fell in love, decided to move to his home country, Mauritius, get married and have children. Understanding and managing your employees health risk profile - DRAFT FCB RedlineStudies by Metropolitan AIDS Risk Consulting show that for HIV/AIDS alone, South African companies saved between 30% and 40% through Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) and antiretroviral programmes over the last three to four years.
Hospital GroupsGet Tested Day - 21 June 2008 - The Heart and Stroke Foundation SAThe Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA) is encouraging the public to have their blood pressure tested during the annual Get Tested Day campaign on 21 June.
Infectious diseasesDRC: Suspected haemorrhagic fever kills three in Equateur ProvinceThree people in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Equateur Province have died from what is suspected to be haemorrhagic fever, according to medical sources. CAMEROON: Urban bilharzia infection spreadingMedical officials in Cameroon say bilharzia, a waterborne larvae which causes life-threatening internal damage if left untreated, is rampant in both rich and poor areas of Yaounde and other cities because of poor water and sanitation infrastructure. Gardeners bewareGardening can seriously damage your health, according to a case report published in The Lancet. Vaccine patch for traveller's diarrhoeaA skin patch may provide a protective vaccine against traveller's diarrhoea, according to this study published in The Lancet. Global Fund supports AIDS treatment for 1.75 million peopleAnd mortality rates from malaria in children under 5 fall sharply in 10 countries. Kenya: Four dead in black fever outbreakFour people have died in an outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease also known as kalazar or black fever, in Isiolo and Wajir in northeastern Kenya, according to a senior health official. How global warming can heat up infectious diseases in Africa - HIPPO Communications[Dr Adrian Hadland] There is growing concern in the scientific community that global warming and climate change will have a major impact on human health, particularly in Africa.
Medical ResearchSmoking and body mass are risk factors for age-related hearing lossBut the good news is that alcohol has a protective effect. Diet rich in omega-3 may avoid common cause of loss of sightNew research suggests that one of the most common causes of vision loss could be avoided by eating food rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Medical TechnologyRobots sort blood specimens A robotic system that sorts 2,700 tubes of blood/hr is helping the American Red Cross improve traceability of donated blood samples and increase productivity at its testing facilities.
Mental healthRural woman woesResearch indicates rural, unmarried women have a higher risk of depression than their married counterparts do. St. John's wort not effective in treating ADHDSt. John's wort does not appear to improve the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teens in comparison with a placebo. Teens stressed and sleepless because of mobile phonesThe latest research into the use of mobile phones suggests that they can cause sleep problems in teenagers.
NPOBurundi: MSF opens a centre for obstetrical emergencies in the vast suburb of BujumburaMSF is opening a new Centre for Obstetrical Emergencies in Kabezi today, in the vast province of Bujumbura Rural (with around 780 000 inhabitants), encircling the country's capital.
NutritionKenya: Food crisis prompts diet changes A 50 percent rise in food prices in Kenya since the start of 2008 has led many people to drastically reduce their daily diets, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Obstetrics and GynaecologyBANGLADESH: 21 000 women die annually in childbirthNasima Begum is all too aware of the risks of childbirth in Bangladesh. At only 18, she has already lost two babies. Pregnant? Who? Me? A bee?Woman dressed as bumblebee gives birth without realising she was pregnant.
PaediatricsAdolescent sleep affected by excessive cell phone useTeenagers who excessively use their cell phone are more prone to disrupted sleep, restlessness, stress and fatigue. Red Cross Children's Hospital appeals for fundsFunds still needed for specialised operating theatre equipment. Womb surgery means baby girl will be able to walkThe leg of an unborn baby has been saved by surgery carried out while she was still in the womb.
Pharmaceutical companiesCipla secures alliance with X/Procure® - Owlhurst CommunicationsCipla Medpro believes that all South Africans should have access to world class, but affordable medicines, lessening the burden of high drug costs and bettering the health and lives of all South Africans.
Public healthSWAZILAND: Compelling communities to end child abuseNew statistics revealing the alarming number of female children that are victims of abuse is seeing child welfare and anti-abuse groups turning to Swazi tradition in the hope of reviving a sense of community responsibility towards the wellbeing of Swaziland's children. | 
Global warming may be a long way from most of our minds in the depths of winter, wherever you are in the country. But the reality of climate change is clear - winter rain in Joburg - long periods of drought in the Cape - and, as for Australia (where so many are rushing to go to) - climate change is such an important issue there that it forced a change of government.
