August 2024

The country faces a vision crisis as unequal access to eye care leaves millions at risk of avoidable blindness.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) raised its risk level for Mpox after a new strain of the virus was in Sweden.

Disagreeing on NHI, nine key healthcare groups refuse to sign the compact. They seek discussions to find better universal health coverage solutions.

The Gauteng health department must return R570M after failing to spend R1.1bn in 2023/24. Critics highlight mismanagement, with R3.45B owed to suppliers.

Novo Nordisk has partnered with Aspen to produce insulin for Africa, but critics say it fails to address the shortage of insulin pens in SA's public hospitals.

The US is slashing prices on 10 top prescription drugs by up to 79% as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The move targets high drug costs.

The signing of the Presidential Health Compact has been postponed to August 22 amid concerns about the NHI. Sama and Busa oppose the compact's support for the NHI plan.

Africa CDC declares a public health emergency over fast-spreading Mpox outbreak from the DRC, with over 15,000 cases reported in 2024.

Mpox outbreak in African countries highlights the need for a regional response. Strengthening surveillance, control measures, and vaccine access is crucial.

Business Unity South Africa opposes the upcoming health compact's focus on NHI, arguing that it is unaffordable and unworkable.

Liberty says the closure of its health unit is due to a ‘lack of scale’ resulting in operating losses.