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ZimbabweZimbabwe teachers back nurses in escalating wage dispute
South AfricaGauteng Public Hospital Patients Owe R4.6 Billion- South AfricaLow health risk from chemicals in menstrual products, MotsoalediSouth Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, says there is a low health risk from chemicals detected in some menstrual products, following renewed public concern sparked by recent research. Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, Motsoaledi responded to a study conducted by researchers at…March 8, 2026

- ZimbabweUS$367m health deal ‘Strictly About Public Health’, US MaintainsAn American government official has rejected claims that a US$367m health deal with Zimbabwe was tied to access to the country’s critical minerals. The official said the agreement, structured as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focused exclusively on supporting Zimbabwe’s health sector and…March 4, 2026

- ZimbabweZimbabwe officially begins twice-yearly Lenacapavir rolloutZimbabwe has launched a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, marking what officials describe as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to reduce new infections and end AIDS as a public health threat. The Lenacapavir rollout was officially announced at a ceremony in Epworth, near the…February 20, 2026

- South AfricaGEMS contribution rises spark union backlashPublic service unions have stepped up their criticism of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), warning that a series of contribution increases is eroding workers’ real incomes and could trigger protest action. Unions represented at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council…February 15, 2026

- ZimbabweZimbabwe to launch HIV injection in major prevention pushZimbabwe is preparing to introduce a new HIV injection that health officials believe could reshape efforts to prevent new infections, as the country continues to battle one of southern Africa’s most persistent public-health challenges. From next Wednesday, more than 46,000 people considered at…February 15, 2026

- ZimbabweZimbabwe warns of blood shortage as supplies fall to critical levelsZimbabwe is facing a worsening blood shortage, prompting renewed appeals from the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) for members of the public to donate blood. Officials say national blood reserves have fallen to critical levels, with supplies in some centres lasting less than a day and rarely…January 9, 2026

- South AfricaWest Coast red tide prompts seafood safety warningSouth African authorities have issued a public warning against consuming shellfish after a red tide situation led to large numbers of marine animals washing up along parts of the West Coast. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said white mussels, whelks and other…January 2, 2026

- South AfricaFormer Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa DiesFormer Gauteng Health MEC and Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) chief whip Brian Hlongwa has died following a short illness. His death has prompted tributes from political colleagues, while also reviving public discussion around the unresolved corruption case that was due to proceed to trial…December 24, 2025

- USFDA approves first GLP-1 pill for obesityThe US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first oral GLP-1 treatment for obesity, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of a condition that affects millions of Americans. The drug, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is the first GLP-1 pill cleared for…December 23, 2025

- ZimbabweBulawayo mayor raises alarm over abortion law amendmentsBulawayo Mayor David Coltart has expressed strong concern over proposed abortion law amendments, warning that the changes could have long-term consequences for families, children and the country’s moral values. The amendments form part of the Medical Services Amendment Bill, which was passed by…December 18, 2025

- South AfricaRamaphosa Reaffirms National Health Insurance CommitmentSouth African President and African National Congress (ANC) leader Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, despite persistent legal, political and financial obstacles slowing its implementation. Speaking at COSATU’s 40th…December 8, 2025

- South AfricaSAHPRA warns of harsh legal repercussions over illegal medicinesThe South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a strong warning to individuals and companies involved in selling or promoting medicines that have not been legally authorised for use in the country. The regulator said it has recently detected a spike in misleading online…November 17, 2025

- South AfricaInitiation Deaths Spark Tougher Laws in South AfricaMinister warns violators face immediate closure as winter season begins with new safety protocols. BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – Government has launched a zero-death campaign for the 2025 winter initiation season following last year's tragic deaths of 94 young initiates and 11 amputations. Minister…June 4, 2025
