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  • Upcoming Events

    The South African Pharmaceutical Exhibition (SAPHEX) is scheduled for March 5-6, 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

    SAPHEX stands as the premier event for professionals in South Africa's pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The exhibition brings together key players, decision-makers, and suppliers, showcasing the latest innovations in APIs, excipients, packaging, and machinery. Attendees can expect to network, explore new advancements, and engage in discussions pivotal to the growth of the African pharmaceutical market.


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    Latest Medical Articles

    Unusual bleeding during and after pregnancy

    When should pregnant women be concerned? Awareness of the dangers associated with abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and after childbirth can be lifesaving for both women and their babies.

    Dr. Mzuvele Archwell Hlabisa, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Netcare Kingsway Hospital, emphasizes that while many people are unaware that over a third of pregnant women may experience bleeding for various reasons, it is crucial to determine the exact cause.

    "Although some bleeding is normal in the postpartum period, excessive bleeding can be life-threatening. It is often difficult for women to discern if their bleeding is normal or not, but a good rule of thumb is to have any bleeding during pregnancy checked by a healthcare professional," says Dr. Hlabisa.

    He notes that around 35% of women experience bleeding in the first trimester. "As the pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of bleeding decreases, so it’s reassuring when women reach the mid-trimester, from 13 to 28 weeks of gestation."

    Bleeding could indicate a miscarriage or a threatened miscarriage, and severe pain with bleeding could be related to placental abruption, a serious condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the womb. These conditions require immediate medical assessment.

    Spotting In early pregnancy, some women may experience spotting, known as implantation bleeding, when the embryo implants in the uterine wall. ...Read full article

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    Global Medical News

    Durban Gears Up for International Day of Yoga with Message of Unity and Wellness
    More than 3,000 yoga practitioners are expected to gather at the Durban Amphitheatre on June 21 to mark the International Day of Yoga (IDY). The celebration will take place under the theme Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness.
    According to Sivananda World Peace Foundation President Ishwar Ramlutchman, participants from diverse backgrounds—including schools, universities, temples, mosques, churches, community groups, and private studios—will join the event wearing white, yellow, and green shirts to symbolise peace, energy, and the environment. He stated that the unified breathing and movement of participants would represent national unity in diversity, echoing SAs constitutional values and its commitment to inclusivity.
    KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Health Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, local councillors, Hindu religious leaders, and Zulu cultural ambassadors are expected to attend.
    Ramlutchman explained that the day goes beyond physical yoga practice. He said the event aligns with a broader provincial vision of embedding wellness into public health strategies.
    Durban has now become the permanent national host for IDY, thanks to its rich combination of Zulu heritage and Indian diaspora culture. Ramlutchman, who plays a key role in strengthening ties between Hindu and Zulu communities, emphasised that yoga is not limited to any religion or race but is a universal practice offering spiritual and health benefits for all humanity.
    He noted that this year’s precursor events at Congo Ground on June 1 and Giant’s Castle on June 5 reflected yogas universal appeal and inclusive nature.
    According to Ramlutchman, IDY also contributes to tourism and city branding. With the Durban Amphitheatre now globally recognised as a symbolic yoga venue, the event enhances Durbans reputation not only as a coastal destination but also as a hub for mindfulness and eco-conscious tourism.
    Leaders in the hospitality industry have reported growing interest in yoga wellness retreats along KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast and in the Drakensberg, partly driven by the momentum of the annual Yoga Day. Ramlutchman stated that the economic benefits of the event extend to local food vendors, artisans, hospitality providers, and fitness entrepreneurs.
    He also described the Durban IDY as a form of soft power, promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy between India and South Africa.
    However, Ramlutchman acknowledged ongoing challenges. He said yoga in South Africa is still seen by some as an exclusive, urban, or culturally foreign activity. In response, organisers are taking steps to localise the practice—such as translating yoga instructions into isiZulu, supporting Black instructors, and adapting programmes for working-class and rural communities.
    He cautioned against the commodification of yoga, urging that its spiritual, ethical, and philosophical roots be preserved amidst growing popularity.
    Looking ahead, Ramlutchman stated that Durban’s 2025 IDY is likely to expand its impact, aiming to demonstrate that wellness is a right, not a privilege. He believes this inclusive, public-driven model could help position KwaZulu-Natal as a national and continental leader in holistic health.

    12 June 2025

    Professor Helen Rees Honoured at World Health Assembly for Global Health Contributions
    South African public health expert Professor Helen Rees was recently recognized as one of six global champions at the World Health Assembly, receiving the esteemed Dr. Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for her significant contributions to global health. This award honours the legacy of Dr. Lee Jong-wook, a former Director-General of the World Health Organization who dedicated his life to improving health outcomes for impoverished communities and played a pivotal role in expanding access to antiretroviral treatment for HIV.

    Rees expressed that receiving this award is a tremendous personal honour and a lifetime recognition of her work's global impact in public health. She emphasized that this achievement is also a proud moment for South Africa, showcasing the exceptional scientists in the country whose efforts are making a difference on a global scale.

    In light of recent U.S. funding cuts, Rees addressed the pressing question facing the African region regarding sustainable health models. She noted that while donor support from high-income countries has been invaluable, it has never been a sustainable solution. According to her, health service delivery ultimately falls under the responsibility of governments, and South Africa acknowledges this reality. However, many lower-income countries across the continent still face significant challenges in fully funding essential health services.

    Rees believes that withdrawing donor funding is not the solution. Instead, she advocates for a smarter, more strategic approach that continues support while prioritizing programs and countries most in need. For nations like South Africa, there is an expectation to self-fund most health services. However, she highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in research, stating that health challenges such as pandemics, tuberculosis, HIV, and non-communicable diseases require multi-country studies and shared solutions.

    Addressing policymakers, Rees emphasized that research is fundamental to the development of every country, regardless of income level. She pointed out that healthcare is expensive, and even wealthy nations struggle to fund it effectively. Therefore, innovation is crucial, as new tools, treatments, and delivery models can enhance efficiency and improve health outcomes.

    Rees praised African institutions like Wits RHI for demonstrating their capability to lead world-class research and deliver practical solutions. She reiterated that Africa is part of a global ecosystem, where advancements in vaccines, diagnostics, and care delivery strategies benefit everyone. Continued investment in African-led research is not merely support; it represents smart, forward-thinking global collaboration that can drive progress in health outcomes across the continent and beyond.
    11 June 2025

    One of the simplest ways to support gut health is through fibre.
    Fibre is often regarded as a vital component of digestive health. Unlike other nutrients, fibre is not fully digested by the body; instead, it travels through the gut, nourishing beneficial bacteria and maintaining digestive balance. Here’s why fibre is essential for your child’s gut health:

    - Promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and discomfort.
    - Supports beneficial gut bacteria by acting as a prebiotic, fuelling good bacteria.
    - Boosts immunity by reducing inflammation and aiding the body’s defence against infections.
    - Helps manage weight and hunger by creating a feeling of fullness, which can curb overeating.

    Without sufficient fibre, children risk not only digestive issues but also long-term health concerns such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

    Winter Foods to Boost Fibre and Gut Health

    South Africa offers a variety of fresh, nutrient-rich produce that can easily be incorporated into a child’s winter diet. Here are some fibre-rich foods to consider:

    - Fruits: Apples, pears (with skins), berries, and citrus fruits.
    - Vegetables: Sweetcorn, carrots, spinach, and butternut squash.
    - Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans, ideal for hearty soups and stews.
    - Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, and whole-grain bread.
    - Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds, which can be added to cereal or yogurt.

    Steps to Improve Your Child’s Gut Health

    Implementing small, consistent changes can significantly impact your child’s gut health. Here’s how to get started:

    1. Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize fresh, whole foods in your child’s meals. Replace processed snacks with fruits, cut-up veggies, or whole-grain crackers, and keep the skins on fruits and vegetables for added fibre.

    2. Limit Processed Foods and Sugars Processed foods are often low in fibre and high in additives that disrupt gut bacteria. Reduce sugary snacks and fizzy drinks, opting for homemade alternatives like popcorn or baked veggie chips.

    3. Incorporate Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods like kimchi, and prebiotics, found in fibre-rich foods, work together to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Including these in your family’s diet can enhance digestion and immunity.

    4. Be Cautious with Antibiotics: While antibiotics can be necessary, they can also disrupt gut balance. If your child requires antibiotics this winter, support their recovery with probiotic-rich foods and plenty of fibre to help restore good bacteria.

    5. Get Kids Involved in Cooking: Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they participate in preparing them. Make mealtime a fun, hands-on activity by allowing them to wash veggies, mix ingredients, or choose toppings for their oats.

    As winter sets in, prioritizing your child’s gut health can lay the groundwork for a healthier, happier season. Remember, gut health is not just about digestion; it is key to stronger immunity, improved moods, and long-term wellness.
    9 June 2025

    Embracing a New Era of Wellness in South Africa
    Before the pandemic, wellness often felt like a luxury or, worse, an afterthought. Burnout was glorified as a sign of ambition, therapy was whispered about in secrecy, and doing it all was the unspoken standard. For many South Africans, wellness was something to turn to only in a crisis.

    Five years after Covid-19 upended the world, a significant shift has occurred. While challenges such as rising living costs, load-shedding fatigue, and escalating mental health issues persist, younger generations are leading a quiet rebellion against survival mode. A 2023 survey revealed that 55% of Millennials and Gen Z have sought therapy, with 40% actively pursuing it in 2024. In contrast, only 11% of Baby Boomers have done so since the pandemic began. This shift reflects a growing cultural movement prioritizing wholeness over wealth and connection over competition.

    Wellness is no longer confined to spa days or luxury retreats; it has become proactive, personal, and deeply relevant to daily life. In 2020, wellness was largely reactive, but today it focuses on prevention and intentional choices. South Africans are discovering wellness in everyday moments, such as sunset walks with friends and meaningful conversations, while prioritizing their mental and physical health.

    A Global Nature Survey indicated that South Africans spend more time outdoors than any other nation, with over 92% of respondents prioritizing time in nature. These connections with the natural world serve as a lifeline in an increasingly demanding environment. Wellness now encompasses basics like sleep routines, step counts, healthy relationships, and open discussions about mental health.

    In group chats, individuals are exchanging therapy tips instead of pretending everything is fine, reflecting a collective shift toward normalizing mental health struggles. However, the reality remains that one in six South Africans lives with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, and public access to mental health care is limited, with only one psychologist per 100,000 people in the state system.

    This gap has led many to seek help through technology. A personalized approach allows individuals to prioritize their mental and physical health while benefiting businesses. Jaco Oosthuizen, managing director and co-founder of YuLife South Africa, emphasizes that South Africans do not need more apps pushing extreme fitness goals; instead, they should embrace wellness at their own pace. Given the prominence of social media, many individuals are eager to share their wellness journeys, although this can sometimes lead to a need to perform wellness, overshadowing the original goals of their practices.

    Oosthuizen notes that prioritizing well-being is not just a humane choice; it is also a smart, sustainable business strategy. Rising healthcare costs and drops in productivity underscore the necessity of supporting employee wellness.

    This new era of wellness signifies a critical cultural reset, a collective exhale after years of chronic stress. The message is clear: wellness is within reach and can begin with small, intentional changes.

    To embrace this new era of self-care, consider these steps:

    1. Spend time in nature to lower stress and boost your mood.
    2. Prioritize a consistent sleep routine, as rest is foundational to well-being.
    3. Share your mental health journey with trusted friends or family to help break the stigma.

    Health is often found in the choices we make, the boundaries we set, and the moments we create for ourselves.
    06 June 2025

    The Future of Healthcare: Artificial Blood Could End Blood Shortages
    Imagine a world where blood shortages no longer result in lost lives, where emergencies in rural South African clinics or busy city hospitals are not hindered by a lack of compatible blood for transfusions. Thanks to ground-breaking research by Japanese scientists, this vision may soon become a reality.

    A significant advancement in healthcare is underway with the development of artificial blood, led by Hiromi Sakai and his team at Nara Medical University in Japan. This innovation has the potential to save millions of lives globally by addressing the critical issue of blood shortages.

    Blood transfusions are vital in healthcare, especially during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, and the treatment of severe illnesses. However, maintaining an adequate blood supply is a persistent challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa. The demand for O-negative blood, known as the universal donor type, is especially high, yet its supply is often inadequate. Compounding the issue is the short shelf life of donated red blood cells, which can only be stored for 42 days under refrigeration.

    The introduction of artificial blood could revolutionize the situation, ensuring that no patient is denied care due to a lack of compatible blood. The science behind artificial blood is no longer theoretical; it is becoming a reality with remarkable potential. According to reports, Sakais team has developed artificial red blood cells by extracting hemoglobin from expired donor blood.

    The process involves several steps: first, hemoglobin is isolated from expired blood donations, preventing waste. Next, the hemoglobin is encapsulated in a protective shell, resulting in stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells. Importantly, these synthetic cells lack blood type markers, making them compatible with all blood groups and eliminating the need for cross-matching.

    The advantages of artificial blood extend beyond compatibility. Unlike donated blood, which requires refrigeration and has a limited lifespan, artificial blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature and five years when refrigerated. This capability could significantly enhance emergency response systems in remote areas where accessing fresh blood supplies is challenging.

    Early trials have shown promise. In 2022, Sakais team conducted small-scale studies with 12 healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 50, administering intravenous injections of hemoglobin vesicles that mimic the oxygen-carrying function of natural red blood cells. While some participants reported mild side effects, no serious adverse effects were noted, and vital signs remained stable.

    Building on this initial success, the trials have progressed to a second phase as of March this year, with larger doses being administered to volunteers. If no significant side effects are observed, the research will shift to evaluating the efficacy and safety of artificial blood for practical use, with the goal of making this life-saving innovation widely available by 2030.

    The implications for the healthcare industry are profound. In emergency care, artificial blood could expedite life-saving interventions by eliminating the need for compatibility testing. In rural areas, its long shelf life could ensure a reliable supply for emergencies. Additionally, by repurposing expired donor blood, artificial blood could enhance the efficiency of the blood donation system.

    While the promise of artificial blood is exciting, it remains in the experimental stage, and further trials are necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy across diverse patient populations. Nonetheless, the potential impact is significant. The vision of a healthcare system where no patient dies waiting for blood is within reach.

    As this ground-breaking innovation advances, it is crucial to continue supporting local blood donation efforts. While artificial blood represents a revolutionary step forward, the need for natural donations will persist for the foreseeable future. As Hiromi Sakai and his team work toward their 2030 goal, the world watches with anticipation, aware that this development could transform medicine as we know it.
    06 June 2025

    Sahpra approves first mpox diagnostic test to enhance global health efforts
    The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has taken a significant step in the fight against mpox, previously known as monkeypox, by granting approval for the Alinity m MPX assay. This marks the first in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for the virus.

    The approval process was expedited through the World Health Organization's (WHO) Prequalification (PQ) assessment and Emergency Use Listing (EUL). Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, the Chief Executive Officer of Sahpra, highlighted that the swift listing of this diagnostic tool represents a crucial advancement in improving global access to mpox testing. She noted that this achievement underscores the importance of utilizing regulatory reliance mechanisms to enhance health outcomes.

    In light of the ongoing mpox outbreaks, the emergency use authorization of the Alinity m MPX assay, which was developed by Abbott Molecular Inc. and is licensed to Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd, is particularly vital. The nature of mpox demands prompt and precise testing to ensure early detection, effective treatment, and successful containment of the virus.

    Currently, Sahpra is only considering nasopharyngeal RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests for mpox diagnostics. Health organizations, including the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the WHO, have pointed out the absence of independently validated antigen rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in the market that meet the necessary clinical sensitivity of at least 80% for mpox testing.

    Consequently, the use of antigen and antibody rapid test kits, including self-test options, is not recommended at this time.

    For those interested in the regulatory requirements surrounding mpox diagnostics, Sahpra has provided a comprehensive communication to industry stakeholders, detailed under Issue No.: MD01-2024/25 v1. This document is accessible on Sahpra’s official website, which also offers guidance on further WHO recommendations related to mpox diagnostics.

    This approval is a significant milestone in the global health landscape, as it aims to enhance the capacity for mpox testing and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes in the face of ongoing public health challenges.
    23 May 2025
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