Hypertension and heart risk: South Africa’s hypertension crisis is putting millions at risk of heart disease and stroke, with experts pointing to uncontrolled blood pressure as a major driver and calling for urgent public health action. HIV harm-reduction warning: Health workers warn that “bluetoothing”/flashblooding—injecting drugs and then using someone else’s blood—can spread HIV and hepatitis, with reports including Durban showing high sharing and low treatment access. Youth push for health system change: Young Africans, including health professionals and researchers, are calling for major reforms to how Africa trains, employs and involves young people in health systems amid a severe health-worker shortage. Breast cancer reminder: At the Pink ODI, a breast cancer survivor highlights how early detection saved her life, with proceeds supporting the Breast Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. ECCE and early learning gap: A FUNS benchmark study finds only 31% of Grade 1 pupils meet home-language reading targets, stressing that support must start before formal schooling. SASSA scrutiny: SASSA is intensifying means testing for grants, with pensioners reportedly facing the most suspensions and reviews. GBVF storytelling push: A deputy minister urges South Africa’s creative sector to use storytelling to shift attitudes that fuel gender-based violence. Laboratory sector momentum: South Africa’s lab medicine industry is scaling as hospital infrastructure expands, boosting demand for automation and advanced diagnostics.