The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of the South African healthcare system and highlighted the need to protect the country’s frontline workers and its limited healthcare resources. It has also brought renewed attention to the working conditions experienced by frontline healthcare workers.
Health
Africans rising UCT researchers shortlisted for prestigious Newton Prize 2020
Two University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers have been selected as finalists for the esteemed Newton Prize 2020.
Africans rising Locals must lead the way to African scientific capacity and solutions
Most efforts in Africa to date have been financially supported and driven from outside the continent.
Politics and Society South Africa: UCT professor’s research offers hope of treatment for sickle cell anaemia
A study performed in Cameroon by a University of Cape Town professor may offer hope of treatment for people with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a disease which affects hundreds of thousands in Africa. 80% of babies born with the disease are in sub-Saharan Africa
Politics and Society Kenya’s mental health services receive $1.35M U.S. foundation grant
The Indiana University Center for Global Health announced a $1.35 million grant that will help address mental health in western Kenya for the next three years. The grant seeks to make mental health more accessible in Kenya and the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Moi Teaching Hospital.
Politics and Society In the time of COVID-19, The US fails Africa
Despite its claims, the United States is not “leading” the global response to COVID-19. If it were, its approach to the pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, the region most vulnerable to the economic impact of the virus, would be much different.
Politics and Society Akachi was a remarkable human being: On mental health, how not to react, and what universities can do to help
May 13, marks one year since Akachi Chukwuemeka died by suicide, aged 21. Neke and I found and carried him to the UNNMedicalCentre that morning. I wrote this as a reference for how to discuss suicide, how schools should help. I still haven’t mourned him.
Politics and Society Africa must make sure it’s part of the search for a coronavirus vaccine
To refuse inclusion would prevent Africa’s researchers from being significant players in the universal fight against the virus.
Arts and Culture Why it’s so difficult to end female genital mutilation
An estimated 130 million women have undergone female genital mutilation and millions more are at risk. The practice is carried out mainly for cultural and economic reasons.