Smoke, spies and lies: Should you throw away your e-cigarette?

Joan van Dyk

South Africa’s top public health experts sat down to discuss the safety of e-cigarettes. The verdict? Stay away.

Grief is different for everyone

Ellapen Rapiti

Some people need to seek professional help so that they can learn to accept the death of a loved one

Seven things that will make you think twice about the cost of medicine

Joan van Dyk

Life-saving medicines are out of reach for many patients but a World Health Organisation meeting held in Johannesburg this week could change that.

Meet the man behind the search for his child who died on #Bosasa’s watch

Joan van Dyk

When this toddler died at Leratong Hospital, his body disappeared. Here’s what happened when his parents went back there more than a decade later.

How to use a before-and-after-sex pill to protect you from HIV - if you’re a gay man

Dylan Bush, Mia Malan

Men who have sex with men can now take PrEP before and after sex and be protected from HIV. Here's how it works.

Did the Health Professions Council trade cash for qualifications?

Roxy de Villiers

If allegations prove true, it may mean that corruption at the regulator enabled unqualified people to masquerade as doctors and nurses.

Trump expands global gag rule that blocks US aid for abortion groups

Julian Borger

Policy bans aid going to foreign groups that support abortion rights as secretary of state Pompeo says: ‘This is decent and right’

Undercover researchers went into doctors' rooms. You won't believe what they found.

Joan van Dyk

New research may finally tell us why SA is always among the first to sound the alarm over drug-resistant strains.


Mia Malan


Men, the HIV prevention pill just got easier. Get the '2-1-1' on what to know

Laura Lopez Gonzalez

Men who have sex with men can now safely use the HIV prevention pill before and after sex, instead of every day.

This president is putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to an NHI

Kate Hodal


Think criminalising sex work is in the best interest of people? Think again

Mia Malan

In 2003, New Zealand did away with all laws against consensual adult sex work. Activists say South Africa can take a few lessons from it.

Billions lost: Doctors, hospitals and medical aid members collude to commit fraud

Roxy de Villiers

The Special Investigating Unit says it is actively targeting fraudsters in the private healthcare sector.

What to do about South Africa's unemployed doctors

Russell Rensburg

It’s official. Austerity budgets may be here to stay. Here’s how South Africa should be working with what it’s got to provide healthcare.

Sex for vaccines: Violence may mar the rollout of new experimental Ebola jab

Kate Holt, Rebecca Ratcliffe

Women in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo are allegedly being asked for sexual favours in exchange for Ebola treatment.

Five ways to save the world, according to Bill & Melinda Gates

Roxy de Villiers

The philanthropic duo give their two cents or rather $200-million on how to deal with the world's inequalities.

Gauteng health department misses deadline to pay junior doctors

Nelisiwe Msomi

With no money for petrol, many doctors have applied for authorised special leave. But some hospitals have warned there will be consequences.

Why money earmarked to fight Ebola may have financed one man's love life

Rebecca Ratcliffe

The World Health Organization launches an inquiry after claims of ‘legendary’ corruption, including racism and sexism.

Unemployed doctors: Why medical schools face a tough choice

Nelisiwe Msomi

It’s the age of austerity and it’s bad news for doctors, nurses and patients alike — unless the state can do more with less.

How to get the most out of your gym membership

Neil Gibson

Finally, go where you've always feared to tread at the gym with these four tips.

'My family had no business selling me off for R4'

Nyasha Chingono

Think child marriages only happen in far off countries? Think again.

Schoolgirls in this country face compulsory tests for pregnancy, genital mutilation

Rebecca Ratcliffe

Girls in Kenya’s Narok County will also be made to reveal the identities of babies’ fathers.

Graphic of the day: Where are South Africa's ambulances?

Nelisiwe Msomi

Think that emergency care is just a call away? You might want to think again.

Code red: Why provinces are forced to outsource ambulance services

Nelisiwe Msomi

Take a look at the results of our latest national survey of how many state ambulances South Africa has on the road.

'Boys club' culture at UNAids allowed for sexual harassment and bullying - report

Laura Lopez Gonzalez

The investigation of an independent panel recommends reviewing whether UNAids executive director Michel Sidibé should continue in his role.

Should you believe the latest smoking figures from this tobacco-funded non-profit?

Naphtali Khumalo

Claim: 49% of men and 34.1% of women in South Africa smoke tobacco. Is this true? Africa Check investigates.

This bracelet could one day help keep you safe from rape, assaults

Roxy de Villiers

How do you fix South Africa’s sexual and reproductive health wrongs? Help people access their rights.

Durban delays re-opening of city's only needle exchange programme

Joan van Dyk

The project’s closure six months ago forced some injecting drug users to share needles and risk infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

How do you say 'queer' in isiZulu?

Roxy de Villiers

Qhawekhazi (isiXhosa) noun. Heroine / the woman who is a hero with the courage to love another woman.

Why science could finally be close to solving this birth control riddle

Kristen van Schie

We could be just months away from knowing whether Depo-Provera use is linked to a higher risk of HIV infection in women.