A right to a future through education

OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) is a national organisation that actively involves young people (13-19 years) in HIV and TB prevention, in a way that is appealing and meaningful to them. OVSA was launched in July 2009 and today over 4500 young South Africans are benefiting from this prevention programme. Read more >>

AIDS tests come to South Africa's schools

A tiny prick made a drop of blood on Nkosi Minenhle's finger, as the 15-year-old underwent an HIV test in a mobile clinic set up on her high school grounds. Read more >>

Stellenbosch University computer scientist wins African award for HIV research

Prof Konrad Scheffler, a Stellenbosch University (SU) computer scientist who uses his expertise in bioinformatics to analyse the evolution of HIV, is one of three researchers who have been honoured with the annual TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for Young Computer Scientists working in Africa. Read more >>

Pharmaceuticals to go big or go home

Government has proposed new measures to further reduce medicine costs - a move likely to be opposed by sections of the pharmaceutical industry. Read more >>

SMS becomes a business, healthcare tool

[Jennigay Coetzer] SMS is used more in customer relationship management (CRM) in developing countries like SA than in other markets because more individuals have cellphones than internet access. Read more >>

The five hospital factors that affect heart attack survival

A new Yale University study looks at why there is such a big difference in the mortality rates among patients treated for heart attacks in hospitals across the country. The study appears in the March issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Read more >>

UK ruling opens door to mesothelioma sufferers

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that a person who is exposed to even tiny amounts of asbestos and who then contracts mesothelioma has a claim for compensation from the company or persons responsible for the exposure. Read more >>

Mark Pilgrim: A survivor fighting back

Radio and TV personality Mark Pilgrim, who suffered a heart attack in 2008, is a survivor who has become an ambassador for the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa's (HSFSA) awareness campaign this month called "I Love This". Read more >>

New study backs Spirulina's positive impact on immunity and anaemia

A new study has shown that multi-nutrient, Spirulina, may be the ideal supplement to boost immunity and counter anaemia, particularly in those over 50 years old. Read more >>

New guide to colds and flu

[Graham Anderson] Colds and flu are among the most common ailments that affect human beings, and yet we have no cure for them. For all the information out there, there's just as much misinformation. So, to prepare for winter sniffles, here's a no-nonsense guide to how to look after yourself - and others - when a virus strikes. Read more >>

Human growth, height, size: Reasons to be small

[Thomas Samaras] Almost everybody these days thinks that it is best to be tall, meaning much taller than the average traditional height of Asian populations, and even taller than the current average height of populations in high-income countries. It is also often believed - though people might be shy to admit this - that tall people are intrinsically superior to short people. The expressions 'look up to' and 'look down on' are significant. Read more >>

Combining two peptide inhibitors might block tumour growth

A new study suggests that combining two experimental anticancer peptide agents might simultaneously block formation of new tumour blood vessels while also inhibiting the growth of tumour cells. Read more >>

Sobering study on motorcycle crashes could influence US helmet laws

After a brutal winter, many motorcycle enthusiasts will soon be dusting off their rides to take advantage of balmier weather, but they don't have to brush off their helmets because Connecticut does not have a mandatory helmet law. Read more >>

Liquid biomaterials take stem cell therapy to new level

Scientists at the forefront of stem cell biology are exploring new approaches to creating surgical implants that could offer prolonged benefits for sufferers of osteoarthritis and potentially even cancer. Read more >>

Less salt, live longer

With Salt Awareness Week around the corner (21-27 March), Professor Jacques Snyman from Resolution Health Medical Scheme sheds some light on the truth about salt and the link to diseases such as hypertension... Read more >>

Experts seek WHO nod for postpartum haemorrhage drug

A drug many health experts say can drastically cut postpartum haemorrhage - the leading cause of maternal deaths in the developing world - will be in the spotlight this month during the World Health Organization's (WHO) biennial review of its model list of essential medicines. Read more >>

Boost for paediatric patient care at Chris Hani Baragwanath

Modern medical information exchange provides measurable results. Read more >>

Could breastfeeding make your baby brighter?

Babies who are breastfed grow up to be more intelligent, scientists have suggested. Read more >>

South African takes charge as GM of global medical firm's southern and east Africa operations

Peter Mehlape, until recently general manager of the Southern African operations of the global medical technology firm Becton Dickinson (BD) has been appointed as the general manager for the company's entire business in the southern and east African region. Read more >>

Ignition interlocks reduce alcohol-impaired driving

Ignition interlocks help prevent drivers who were previously arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) from being re-arrested, according to researchers at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US. Read more >>

Tuberculosis - not just the poor's disease

[Graham Anderson] South Africa is ranked fifth out of 22 high-burden countries that account for 80% of all new cases of tuberculosis that arise globally each year. This, combined with the fact that the TB vaccine is only 80% effective, means that South Africans should be aware of the risks and symptoms of the disease. Read more >>

HPV home tests could improve cervical screening uptake

Home tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV) could help increase the take-up of cervical screening among women who do not respond to screening invitations, new research in the UK shows. Read more >>

The face of cervical cancer in South Africa

Information from a recent WHO/ICO Information Centre on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer 2010 report shows that South Africa has a population of 16.84 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Read more >>

Microsoft takes down major fake drug spam network

SAN FRANCISCO, US: Microsoft yesterday, 17 March 2011, announced the dismantling of a "notorious and complex" network of virus-infected computers used to send billions of email messages daily hawking fake drugs. Read more >>

Judging panel announced for 2011 Diageo Awards

LONDON: The panel of judges has been announced for the eighth Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards set to take place on 30 June 2011. The annual awards aims to encourage more prolific reporting of economic opportunities in Africa and to celebrate excellence in business journalism. Read more >>