Latest News & Developments
world health organization
WHO unveils the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report on International Nurses Day
On International Nurses Day, the WHO launched the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, offering crucial insights into the global nursing workforce and its role in enhancing health systems worldwide.
International Nurses Day highlights the vital role of nurses and the need for urgent reforms
Celebrating nurses and calling for reform on International Nurses Day in South Africa
Girls' rights on the line: WHO's game-changing guidelines against female genital mutilation
As female genital mutilation continues to threaten the health and rights of girls worldwide, the WHO's latest guidelines offer a ray of hope.
World Health Day spotlights urgent need for maternal healthcare improvements
On World Health Day 2024, South Africa faces a critical challenge: reducing maternal mortality from 109. 6 to 70 deaths per 100,000 births by 2030. The Department of Health and WHO are highlighting innovative programmes like MomConnect, which has already supported 5 million mothers, while calling for urgent action to address remaining gaps in maternal and newborn care. Despite progress, one preventable death occurs every seven seconds globally.
Trump’s foreign policy fallout: How his isolationist approach reshaped global politics and South Africa’s future
Explore the insights from MISTRA's webinar, where experts discussed the geopolitical shifts following Donald Trump's election and their implications for South Africa and the global landscape.
Unidentified virus claims 53 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo
At least 53 people have died from an unidentified virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the WHO confirming alarming trends among affected demographics.
Men urged to take charge of HIV treatment in South Africa
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi launches a campaign to encourage men to engage in HIV treatment, addressing stigma and healthcare attitudes that hinder access.
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease spikes in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal grapples with rising Hand Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak
The emotional and financial burdens of childhood cancer on families
Explore the emotional and financial challenges faced by families of childhood cancer patients, as highlighted by experts and personal stories, in light of International Childhood Cancer Day 2025.
Understanding congenital syphilis: a growing concern in South Africa
South Africa faces a significant public health challenge with a reported 1 739 congenital syphilis cases in 2023, far exceeding the global target. This article explores the implications, causes, and necessary actions to combat this alarming trend.
Is South Africa prepared to manufacture its own vaccines for future pandemics?
Experts discuss South Africa’s current vaccine manufacturing capabilities and the steps needed to prepare for future pandemics.
WHO launches plan for free child cancer medicines
In a landmark initiative to combat childhood cancer, the World Health Organisation has launched a revolutionary platform providing free cancer medicines to children in developing nations.
Davos Power Lunch 2025: The power gathering that moves the world
This is where the 0. 1% of global decision-makers shape the future, away from the noise, with conversations that later set the course of industries, economies, and policies.
Listeriosis class action: a mother's heartbreaking wait for justice
Seven years after South Africa's devastating listeriosis outbreak claimed 216 lives, victims like Thenjiwe Dodo continue their fight for justice. While Tiger Brands announces interim relief for some affected families, others still wait for closure in the ongoing class action lawsuit.
Lab holding Ebola in DRC's Goma 'safe' - WHO
Amid escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo, WHO has confirmed that a critical laboratory containing deadly pathogens including Ebola remains secure, despite the M23 rebel group's seizure of Goma.
Cancer crisis: more women die from breast and cervical cancers than HIV in South Africa
New statistics reveal that breast and cervical cancers are now the leading causes of death among South African women, surpassing HIV, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and funding for early detection and treatment.
WHO chief counters US President Donald Trump criticisms behind American withdrawal
In a robust defence of the World Health Organisation's operations, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus systematically addressed Trump's criticisms of the organisation, highlighting reforms, funding structures and pandemic response measures.
US halt of HIV/AIDS drugs could reverse years of progress
The Trump administration's immediate halt on USAID funding threatens global health programmes, with South African experts warning of devastating impacts on HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria treatment.
Global health at crossroads: WHO responds to US withdrawal
The World Health Organisation faces a critical financial challenge as its largest donor, the United States, moves to withdraw. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reveals plans to restructure priorities while emphasising the organisation's vital role in protecting US health security. The announcement comes as WHO grapples with both Covid-19 response and current bird flu threats.
Trump’s WHO exit a ‘bad dose’ for global health
Experts warn that Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the WHO could jeopardise global health initiatives, affecting millions worldwide.
WHO urges USA to reconsider withdrawal amid global health concerns
Amidst global health concerns, WHO calls for the USA to maintain its partnership, highlighting the crucial role it plays in health security worldwide.
Trump's controversial decision: what does leaving the WHO mean for global health?
With President Trump's shocking announcement to withdraw the US from the WHO, experts warn of potential setbacks for global health systems and significant risks for the fight against pandemics.
Donald Trump takes US reins with flurry of executive orders
In a dramatic return to power, Donald Trump marks his first day as US President with unprecedented executive orders spanning immigration, climate policy, and pardons for Capitol rioters. As Biden watches his legacy dismantled, Trump's bold moves signal a radical shift in American policy direction.
How child hunger weakens vaccine effectiveness against measles
As the silent crisis of undernutrition in children looms, addressing nutrition could hold the key to safeguarding future generations from the devastation of preventable diseases like measles.
South Africa reaffirms readiness for mpox as Sierra Leone battles fresh outbreak with two confirmed cases
Sierra Leone battles mpox outbreak as South Africa stays alert for new cases