Indigenous Trees Might Be the Secret to Climate Resilient Dairy Farming in Benin, Says This New Study
Benin’s smallholder dairy farmers need development finance to plant shady trees on the land where their cattle graze, to improve cattle health.
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Early detection key to curing childhood cancer
Early detection key to curing childhood cancer
Medical experts say that finding childhood cancer early is very important and helps children get the specialised treatment they need to get better.
“Childhood cancer is indeed curable. However, this is contingent upon timely diagnosis and immediate treatment,” said Chair of the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology (SAAPHO), Professor Gita Naidu.
Naidu, who is also the Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, highlighted the significant challenges faced by families, such as emotional distress, anxiety, financial pressures from lost income, and medical costs.
She also stressed the difficulties of travelling long distances for treatment, managing caregiving responsibilities among siblings, and addressing the social stigma surrounding childhood cancer.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with stakeholders such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, and SAAPHO, acknowledged the importance of teamwork and dedication in addressing these challenges and supporting those in need.
International Childhood Cancer Day is celebrated every 15 February, bringing together organisations, healthcare professionals, and advocates in a powerful movement.
The goal is to ensure early diagnosis, quality treatment, and unwavering support for young cancer patients and their families.
The 2025 campaign, ’Equal Access to Care for All Children with Cancer,’ aims to promote effective solutions and drive change to improve childhood cancer outcomes globally.
Meanwhile, this year's theme, ’Inspiring Action,’ highlights the need for collective efforts to eliminate disparities and ensure all children receive the care they deserve.
This initiative, spearheaded by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), aims to highlight the vital need for improved access to treatment, care and support for children and adolescents impacted by cancer worldwide.
The WHO estimates that more than 400 000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally each year.
In South Africa, around 1 000 new cases are recorded annually by the South African Children’s Tumour Registry.
However, the department noted that many additional cases remain undiagnosed and untreated due to barriers to accessing healthcare.
The department said early detection is essential for saving lives and parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers are urged to recognise the warning signs.
These include a white spot in the eye or sudden blindness, a lump or swelling in any part of the body, especially the stomach; unexplained fever or weight loss; persistent bone pain or easy fractures; difficulty walking; changes in coordination, or severe headaches usually accompanied by vomiting.
WHO South Africa’s Kibachio Mwangi noted the crucial role of psychosocial support for childhood cancer patients and their families.
He stated, “Childhood cancer treatment is incomplete without palliative care, which offers essential support for pain relief, dignity, and psychosocial well-being for patients and their families.”
Mwangi indicated that they are working with the Department of Health and other stakeholders to streamline the provision of palliative care through specialised units as well as in community and home-based platforms.
In addition, government said it supports the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), which aims to achieve a global survival rate of 60% by 2030.
According to the department, this initiative prioritises providing treatment to children and adolescents in a way that maintains their dignity and reduces suffering.
“We firmly stand in solidarity with children, families, and caregivers impacted by childhood cancer,” said CEO of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, Hedley Lewis.
“By championing ICCD 2025, we are committed to raising awareness, advocating for essential healthcare reforms, and ensuring that every child has equal access to life-saving treatments.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 02/16/2025 - 11:49
66 views
MSF Slams Novo Nordisk for South Africa’s Insulin Pen Shortage
But the multinational pharmaceutical company says it offered government solutions
Call to avoid buying fake versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro
Call to avoid buying fake versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has expressed concern at the increasing presence of counterfeit Glucagon-like Peptide (GLP-1) products, such as Ozempic, on the local market.
According to SAHPRA, GLP-1-containing products, like Ozempic, which help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss, are being made available to the public through websites, social media, and other informal channels.
“These pose a health risk to the public. SAHPRA cautions the public to not purchase and/or consume such products as their safety, efficacy, and quality have not been assessed.”
SAHPRA has reported an increase in suspected counterfeit Ozempic, chemically known as semaglutide, which is one of the registered products containing GLP-1 agonists from Novo Nordisk.
According to the watchdog, Ozempic in South Africa is registered under two presentations of pre-filled injectable pens, namely 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg/dose pen and 1 mg/dose pen.
“Ozempic is registered in South Africa for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce blood sugar levels for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.”
It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known heart disease.
“Ozempic is not registered in South Africa for weight management,” said the authority.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), developed by Eli Lilly and Company, is also gaining attention in South Africa. It is available in pre-filled pens that come in a single dosage, containing either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg in a 0.5 ml solution for injection.
Mounjaro is indicated for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus but has not yet been imported into and placed on the market in South Africa through Eli Lilly and Company distribution channels.
Just like Ozempic, the watchdog stated that Mounjaro is not approved in South Africa for weight management.
“The complexity of compounding GLP-1 agonists, which are sterile medicines containing complex active substances poses a public health and safety risk.
“The risk associated with compounded medicines containing GLP-1 agonists are posed by the absence of the evaluation of these medicines by SAHPRA and the unknown nature and safety of ingredients used in compounding.”
Compounded products that claim to contain semaglutide have not been verified or evaluated by SAHPRA to determine if the active pharmaceutical ingredient is identical to the registered one, as required by the Medicines Act.
“Therefore, it maybe substandard and pose a risk to those using them,” said SAHPRA, adding that the medicine using an active ingredient that is not contained in a product registered with SAHPRA is illegal in terms of the requirements of the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
“The public is urged to purchase only SAHPRA-registered products containing GLP-1 agonists, considering these risks.”
According to Section 29 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, a person who commits an offence will be held criminally liable, and applicable penalties will be enforced.
SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, stressed that safeguarding the well-being of the South African public remains a primary concern for the regulatory authority.
“SAHPRA is monitoring the supply chain as well as the online platforms for unregistered, substandard, and falsified medicines containing or claiming to contain semaglutide. We are also investigating any contraventions relating to the Medicines and Related Substances,” said Dr Semete-Makokotlela.
The public is urged to report any suspected products falsely claiming to be sold as Ozempic or Mounjaro.
Citizens are urged to report through these whistle-blower platforms, SAHPRA’s 24-hour hotline 0800 204 307, or via https://bit.ly/3nrku5t. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 13:27
43 views
Fueling Your Fitness: Strategies for Weight Loss and Muscle Building
Achieving your fitness goals involves more than just spending time in the gym. From understanding your body’s nutritional needs to choosing the right supplements, creating a balanced routine that aligns with your goals is essential. Whether your focus is on weight loss or muscle building, finding the right combination of diet, exercise, and supplementation can …
BeiGene South Africa Shines a Light on Blood Cancer Awareness Month
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Understanding Childhood Cancer: What Every Parent Should Know
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores childhood cancer, its types, signs, and what to expect if your child is diagnosed. “September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognise the challenges young cancer patients and their families face,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While childhood cancer is relatively …
SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally
SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally
A groundbreaking initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has become the world’s first programme in the battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) for all population groups, influencing the international TB treatment policy of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The principal investigator leading this study, Dr Francesca Conradie, explained that the study’s success in demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the new short oral regimen in these key populations marks a pivotal step toward a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare strategy for TB.
“The BEAT-Tuberculosis study represents a groundbreaking approach in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly with its inclusive research methodology.
“By incorporating pregnant women and children into the clinical trials, the study has expanded the understanding of TB treatment’s efficacy and safety across broader demographics,” said Conradie.
The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel shortened treatment regimen for DR-TB compared with the established standard of care.
The standard treatment consisted of a regimen of seven drugs administered over a minimum of nine months, in comparison to a regimen of four to five medications, which included newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, and was administered over only six months.
The BEAT-Tuberculosis clinical study was conducted at the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal over the past six years.
The study began in 2019 and despite the formidable challenges posed by COVID-19, over 400 participants were enrolled across study sites in both provinces.
The study’s other objective was to build research capacity for DR-TB in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, through community engagement and training healthcare personnel in clinical research methodologies for TB treatment.
“This collaborative effort received crucial support from the National and Provincial Departments of Health that provided essential medication and laboratory infrastructure for safety and efficacy assessments,” said Conradie.
The local research study was made possible by the collaboration of the National Department of Health, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by the University of the Witwatersrand.
The results from the study have influenced the WHO policy on the treatment of TB, and at the same time put the Global South centre stage for driving improved treatment for all.
National Department of Health’s Chief Director of TB Control and Management, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, said that in 2022, an estimated 280 000 people developed TB in South Africa, while 54 000 died from the disease.
TB remains a threat to global public health and the second leading cause of death in South Africa.
“With this concerning observation in mind, we acknowledge the BEAT Tuberculosis project as an exemplary and concerted effort to advance TB treatment and research capabilities, poised to bring about transformative changes in RR-TB management worldwide.
“While the study was originally intended to inform local treatment guidelines, the results are now set to benefit patients everywhere.”
USAID Southern Africa Mission Director, Leslie Marbury, believes that the National Department of Health and his organisation have improved TB patient care worldwide.
Marbury said the organisation celebrates the 400 participants who made this trial possible and brought the world closer to ending TB.
“We also thank all BEAT Tuberculosis stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Health Departments, and local medical facilities, for their dedication and commitment to this globally recognised study,” she added.
TB symptoms
The most common symptoms of TB are a cough that lasts more than two weeks, weight loss, drenching night sweats and a fever.
Anyone with these symptoms is urged to go to their local clinic.
“You will be asked to produce sputum or phlegm which will be tested for TB. If the test is positive, the correct treatment will be started.” – SAnews.go.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:16
34 views
Sweating And Burning Calories: Explaining The Connection
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Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Ozempic to Treat Diabetes
Ozempic is a medication commonly prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes to help manage their blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion. While Ozempic can be highly effective in controlling diabetes, like any medication, it comes with …