Latest health news, public health updates, research, policy, and drug developments
One of the biggest challenges with hepatitis is that many people experience few, if any, symptoms during the early stages of infection. People can continue going to work, raising families and living seemingly healthy lives while the virus quietly damages the liver.
Unlike many acts of service, the impact of a blood donation doesn't end when you leave the donor center. It continues in emergency rooms, operating theatres, maternity wards and hospital beds across the country, where donated blood gives someone another chance to recover, celebrate another milestone, and experience another tomorrow.
Inspired by the remedies she watched her grandmother prepare in rural KwaZulu-Natal, researcher Nokukhanya Thembane is helping bridge indigenous knowledge and modern science to unlock the potential of South Africa's medicinal plants.
While cancer treatment remains critical, experts say survivorship, follow-up care and access to ongoing support are just as important in improving outcomes for South Africans living beyond a cancer diagnosis.
SANBS CEO Ravi Reddy will join healthcare and technology leaders at HISA 2026 to discuss how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping healthcare delivery across Africa.
Setšong Tea Crafters is turning indigenous knowledge into economic opportunity, creating jobs and preserving traditional wellness practices in rural Limpopo. Supported by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the business produces indigenous teas and health infusions while empowering women, supporting local cooperatives and expanding access to African wellness products in formal retail markets.
Rebuilding young lives begins with recognising that health goes beyond the physical. For vulnerable youth, true healing requires addressing emotional wounds, restoring dignity and creating safe, supportive environments where they can rebuild their sense of self and move forward with hope.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet many people are unaware they have it until vision loss has already begun. Early detection and collective action are key to protecting sight and building a glaucoma-free future.
South Africa is facing a growing obesity crisis that is driving a surge in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. With rising obesity rates among adults and children, health experts warn that urgent action is needed to address the environmental, social and lifestyle factors contributing to the problem. As the world marks World Obesity Day, the focus is shifting toward prevention, healthier food systems and stronger public health interventions to protect the country’s long-term health future.
Undetected hearing loss can quietly shape a child’s educational journey, affecting language, literacy, and confidence. This World Hearing Day, the call is clear: hearing care must begin in communities to ensure no child is left behind in the classroom.
South Africa’s blood supply is under pressure, and SANBS is urging the public to “Answer the Call” by donating blood. Following a post-festive drop in donations and ahead of the high-demand Easter period, the campaign highlights how one simple act can save up to three lives and ensure hospitals remain ready for emergencies. This is one call that can’t be ignored because lives are waiting on the other end of the line.
“We will embark on a national mission to end child stunting by 2030,” the President said, outlining a renewed focus on early nutrition and child development.