AGP Executive Report

Paediatric Burn Care Spotlight: Biomedical scientist Dr Judey visited Chris Hani Baragwanath’s Paediatric Burns Unit, pushing the message that science should translate into real-world healing for vulnerable children. Nursing Accountability: KwaZulu-Natal Health condemned a viral video of a nurse assaulting a patient at King Dinuzulu Hospital, warning that disciplinary and possible criminal action could follow if facts are confirmed. Sex Work Bill Returns: South Africa’s long-delayed sex work decriminalisation draft bill is set to go back to Parliament after being redrafted, with public consultation expected before Cabinet approval. Child Stunting Push: Western Cape’s Khulisa Care pilot enrolled 2,027 mothers to support nutrition from pregnancy through the first six months, targeting long-term health gains. Food Security & Climate: A Nature study warns climate change could shift childhood malaria hotspots across Africa, potentially increasing risk in some highland areas. Health System Safety Net: A report highlights how travel insurance can prevent medical emergencies abroad from turning into financial crises. Public Health Governance: SAHPRA has recalled high blood pressure medicines (including Enalapril batches) over quality concerns, underscoring ongoing medicine-safety monitoring.

SAHRC Privacy Warning: The South African Human Rights Commission says data breaches and misuse of personal information aren’t just “cyber” issues, warning they can harm privacy, dignity, equality and security—especially for children, older people and people with disabilities. Medicines Recall: SAHPRA has ordered urgent recalls of hypertension medicines, including batches of Enalapril (Arya), after quality concerns. Food & Health: A new global study links low vegetable intake and shrinking crop diversity to major diet-related disease risk, underscoring the need for healthier, more diverse diets. Public Health & Mobility: Zimbabwe says 155,202 people have been repatriated from South Africa after anti-immigrant protests, with disease surveillance and re-integration support being strengthened. Health in the Spotlight: A women-only fitness model in Ethiopia highlights how childcare-friendly, safer spaces can help close gender gaps in physical activity. Wildlife & Wellness: 30 lions and tigers are being moved from an Argentine zoo to sanctuaries in South Africa and Colorado, with welfare and veterinary support built into the journey.

Nutrition & Food Security: A new global study warns people worldwide eat far fewer vegetables than dietary guidelines recommend, while the diversity of vegetables grown for food keeps shrinking—raising concerns for long-term health and disease risk. Drug Testing in Youth Sport: Sport and exercise medicine specialist Prof Jon Patricios calls for broader drug testing beyond Craven Week, saying anabolic steroid use in school rugby is likely “the tip of the iceberg” and that testing protects young athletes’ health. Higher Education Disruption: CPUT campuses and residences were shut down after student-led protests and a fire on the Bellville campus, with management citing safety risks and critical injuries. Women’s Health & Safety: During Women’s Month, coverage highlights how refugee and migrant women still face barriers to healthcare and protection, while separate commentary stresses the ongoing contradiction of celebrating women publicly while GBV and femicide persist. Mental Health in Care: South African scheme data suggests gaps in follow-up after mental health hospital treatment and links between anxiety and higher readmissions—pointing to a need for better continuity of care. Road Safety: A serious bakkie crash near Vryheid left 5 people seriously injured, including 2 critical. Community Nutrition: A Limpopo law student used her NSFAS allowance to open a drop-in centre feeding about 60 children daily.

Medicine Safety Watch: SAHPRA has recalled four batches of Enalapril 10mg Arya after quality concerns (batch numbers GQQ24053, GQQ24064, GQQ24066, GQQ24067). Patients are urged to check packaging and speak to a doctor or pharmacist before stopping treatment. Public Health Access: Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says ultra-portable digital X-ray machines have been procured to speed up early detection of asbestos-related illnesses in remote Limpopo communities, with screening also covering TB, HIV, blood pressure and diabetes. Diabetes Focus: Diabetes & NCDs advocate Thapi Semenya highlights a major education gap around diabetes—especially diet and culturally familiar foods—and calls for better support for newly diagnosed patients. Health System Pressure (Global): Research warns global vegetable intake is far below dietary guidelines and that vegetable diversity is declining, linking low intake to major disease risk. Local Environment & Health: Cape Town’s City says the Western Cape sardine die-off has no link to Milnerton Lagoon pollution, pointing to an ongoing DFFE investigation into the wider mortality event. Rare Disease Spotlight: A South African woman living with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa defied early predictions and is raising two children, underscoring the need for awareness and support.

Medicine Safety: Sahpra has ordered an urgent recall of four batches of hypertension drug Enalapril 10mg Arya after post‑marketing checks flagged out‑of‑spec results, urging patients to check batch numbers and speak to pharmacists before switching. Cancer Care Access: New Health Quality Assessment data shows many South Africans with medical scheme cover are still skipping cancer screening—over 85% of eligible beneficiaries aged 50–75 did not get colorectal screening in the past five years, and mammogram uptake remains low. Maternal & Child Support: Omnia Group employees donated food and baby essentials to Witkoppen Clinic’s Fresh Start programme, backing vulnerable mothers and newborns. Public Health Coverage Confusion: As medical aid costs rise, more people are turning to health insurance, but experts warn it’s not the same as comprehensive medical aid—especially for hospitalisation and chronic care. Inclusive Early Learning: Basic Education admits it lacks reliable national data and dedicated funding for inclusive ECD access for deaf and blind children, with calls for a national framework. Water & Health Risks: Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says SA won’t run out of water, but stresses localised shortages and unreliable supply still threaten communities’ wellbeing. Food & Wellness: Coverage also highlights fermented African foods’ potential health benefits and the growing gluten-free market using indigenous crops.

Pilchard herpesvirus in Western Cape sardines: The DFFE says lab tests have confirmed pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) in sardines from the mass die-off, with fresh reports of dead fish washing up around Milnerton, Sunset Beach and Lagoon Beach. Officials stress PHV may not be the sole cause, and the investigation continues. Menopause medicine access squeeze: A doctor’s personal account highlights how hormone replacement therapy patches can “disappear” from shelves, forcing women into higher-dose alternatives with side effects—raising concerns about supply and continuity of care. Schoolboy rugby doping concerns: A renewed call for regular, comprehensive testing points to gaps in high school-level drug controls, after cases of anabolic steroid positives among schoolboy/former players. Water crisis in Mpumalanga: An investigation describes how emergency tanker systems are becoming a long-term substitute for failing infrastructure, with residents facing unreliable deliveries despite large spending. Ebola response under strain in DRC: Unpaid health workers and insecurity are disrupting surveillance and treatment efforts, with strikes temporarily shutting a treatment centre. Women in research still missing: A Women’s Month piece argues women remain underrepresented in research and that this affects what gets studied and funded. Food system debate on GMOs: Commentary says the real question is how to keep farmers competitive and viable, not just whether consumers get lower prices.

Nutrition & Biodiversity: A new global study warns people worldwide eat far fewer vegetables than dietary guidelines recommend, while the diversity of vegetables grown for food keeps shrinking—raising concerns for long-term health and food security. Marine Health Alert: Thousands of dead pilchards washed ashore on Cape Town beaches, with possible causes including viruses and harmful algal blooms; officials are still investigating, but sewage and nutrient pollution are flagged as key risks. Stroke Awareness: An 18-year-old in KwaZulu-Natal says her family initially mistook her stroke symptoms for a snake bite; she was rushed to hospital and treated after a rapid assessment. Public Health & Work Stress: Experts warn South Africans are running on empty as financial strain fuels daily stress and burnout, with workplace pressure making “switching off” harder. Violence & Safety: A 40-year-old was arrested in the Eastern Cape after allegedly beating his 69-year-old mother to death; police say the suspect will face murder charges. Health System & Accountability: Limpopo’s “clean audit” wins are stirring controversy after a moratorium reportedly limits departments from announcing results, including health. Food Security & Farming: Research highlights why small-scale sugarcane growers in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal are producing below potential, pointing to weeds, planning gaps, and weak technical support.

Nutrition & Health: A new global study warns people worldwide eat far fewer vegetables than dietary guidelines recommend, while the diversity of vegetables grown for food keeps shrinking—an issue linked to higher disease risk. Workplace Burnout: South Africans are “running on empty” as economic squeeze, job insecurity and longer hours fuel stress and burnout, with experts pointing to rising daily distress at work. Women’s Health & Economy: Commentary for Women’s Month highlights how early diagnostics and reliable healthcare access protect women’s health and, in turn, household income and long-term resilience. Stroke Awareness: In KwaZulu-Natal, an 18-year-old’s family initially mistook stroke symptoms for a snake bite; doctors say rapid treatment helped save her life. Food Safety Watch: Authorities report pilchard herpesvirus detected in West Coast sardines tied to mass deaths, but say the virus alone may not explain the event. Hospital Safety: A Free State nurse assault case against an inpatient has been moved up to the Regional Court after unions warned of a wider healthcare worker safety crisis. Road Safety: KZN’s #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign reports thousands of drunk-driving arrests as the next phase of enforcement prepares to roll out. Public Health & Data: Coverage also stresses the importance of accurate population data for planning health and social protection.

Diabetes crisis: Statistics SA data shows Type 2 diabetes has overtaken HIV and TB as South Africa’s leading natural cause of death, with 27,692 deaths in 2023 and experts linking the rise to ageing, food environment, obesity and inactivity. Private healthcare affordability: Health insurance is now the fastest-growing part of SA’s private care market as households downgrade from medical aid or delay joining, pushing schemes to rethink benefits. BNPL credit reporting: The National Credit Regulator says BNPL providers may face reporting of repayment behaviour to credit bureaus from February next year, after assessing how BNPL fits the National Credit Act. Sardine health scare: DFFE confirms pilchard herpesvirus is found in all tested sardines in the Western Cape die-off, but scientists warn the virus alone doesn’t prove the cause. Public health and safety: A Ghanaian repatriated from South Africa died shortly after arrival in Accra; an autopsy is expected. Community health access: Mfuleni shack dwellers protested outside the Premier’s office demanding water and electricity after a fatal shack fire last year. Forensic medicine: University of Pretoria’s forensic pathologist says autopsies can drive justice and prevention, not just explain deaths.

Healthcare Access & Policy: Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko says planning for Cosmo City’s proposed 24-hour Community Health Centre is still in the works, with a business case under review, while clarifying the current clinic is in a park-home structure—not a mobile clinic. Public Health & Community Care: A TikTok walkthrough has reignited interest in the Phelophepa healthcare train, highlighting on-board dental, eye screening/spectacles and pharmacy services for remote communities. Disease Surveillance: The DFFE confirmed pilchard herpesvirus in Western Cape sardines after mass die-offs, noting commercial fish and canned products are considered safe for humans while investigations continue into possible environmental triggers. Women’s Health & Safety: A Pietermaritzburg “Walk For Her” urged communities to report GBV and seek help, with police and social workers positioned as key support points. Health System Capacity: Commentary on South Africa’s doctor unemployment crisis and unfilled medical posts continues to underline staffing strain across the system.

Cancer Care & Community Support: A Cape Town student’s TikTok plea to reunite with her mother battling cancer at Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg sparked strangers to organise transport, visits and even a plane ticket. Workplace Safety: A worker was hospitalised after an electrical incident at Sappi Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, with counselling planned for witnesses. HPV Prevention Push (Gauteng): The province urged parents to sign consent forms for the school-based HPV vaccination drive for eligible Grade 5 girls, aiming to cut cervical cancer risk. Health System Pressure: Reports highlight South Africa’s ongoing doctor unemployment crisis and unfilled medical posts, adding strain to public care. Workplace Misconduct Ruling: The Labour Court upheld a disciplinary decision clearing a nursing clinic manager of sexual harassment allegations. Public Health Monitoring: Experts called for tighter wastewater monitoring and better data on treatment works to protect communities as climate pressures rise. Human Trafficking Case (Durban): A second suspect was arrested and appeared in court over trafficking, kidnapping and sexual exploitation charges linked to a Durban businessman. Cancer Update (Celebrity): Doctor Who star Sharon D. Clarke said her Othello role was postponed as she undergoes cancer treatment. Digital Health & Data Ethics: Coverage continues to question whether telematics-style monitoring could expand into mainstream healthcare.

Diabetes Surge: The South African Medical Association warns diabetes has overtaken TB and HIV as the leading underlying natural cause of death, citing StatsSA figures showing 27,000 diabetes deaths in 2023 and urging earlier diagnosis and better lifestyle support. Public Healthcare Staffing Gap: The National Department of Health says it has 1,518 vacant medical posts but does not track how many doctors who completed community service remain unemployed, leaving a major blind spot as provinces continue recruiting. Hospital Supply Strain: A report revisits the Tambo Memorial Hospital stoma bag shortage, with claims the problem goes back further than the health department’s timeline. Campus Unrest: Violent protests at CPUT left a security official in ICU after a head injury, tied to student financial grievances and a proposed 2027 financial recovery plan. Health System Pressure: SAMA also flags mounting strain on the health system as non-communicable diseases rise. Community Health Funding: Latter-day Saints leaders visited Lamu County hospitals and schools in Kenya to explore health and community support partnerships.

Tragic Child Death: A 15-month-old was killed in a Pretoria East driveway incident after being struck by a vehicle; medics tried to save the child and SAPS is investigating culpable homicide. Women’s Month & Public Health: FOUR PAWS says animal welfare is a public health issue and calls for systemic, science-based policy changes, linking animal protection to community safety and environmental sustainability. Private Healthcare Loss: M-Care Hospital Group mourns co-founder Dr Dave Fourie, remembered for building Mpumalanga’s neuro-rehabilitation and psychiatric services. Chronic Disease Prevention: At a WomenCan wellness summit, dietitians and health experts urged practical prevention and harm-reduction steps to ease pressure from chronic illness. GBV Backlash: Activists say Women’s Month feels hollow as gender-based violence and insecurity persist, with calls for urgent action since GBVF became a National Disaster. Food Security Warning: SAHRC submissions warn of a hunger crisis, citing preventable acute malnutrition deaths and millions going hungry. Mobility Safety: Johannesburg’s taxi industry body and Jozi My Jozi signed an MOU to improve minibus taxi safety, cleanliness, and driver wellbeing. Health Systems & Access: Power outages are reported to disrupt Gauteng healthcare facilities, raising concerns about continuity of care. Invasive Pest Threat: The polyphagous shot-hole borer is spreading and threatening millions of trees, with knock-on effects for urban green spaces and resilience.

Child Nutrition Push: The Presidency has launched an interdepartmental task team to eradicate child stunting by 2030, targeting a current rate of 28.8% for under-fives and aiming to break government silos with a detailed, funded plan. Power Strikes Clinics: Severe weather and grid pressure have caused power outages at Gauteng healthcare facilities, including Eyethu Yarona, Diepsloot South, Tshepisong and Moroka Clinic, with generators keeping services running while teams work on repairs. Waste Crisis Hits Health: Johannesburg’s Pikitup is in deep financial distress, and 316 casual workers plan to resume a strike that could shut depots and leave rubbish uncollected—raising risks for sanitation and public health. Public Health Oversight: A Public Protector probe into Gauteng’s environmental health services highlights how weak municipal delivery of food safety and water quality monitoring can leave communities exposed to outbreaks. Diet & Health Risks: A global study warns vegetable intake falls far short of dietary guidelines and that declining crop diversity is worsening diet-related disease risk. Mental Health Spotlight: Cassper Nyovest speaks about depression and how his faith shaped recovery, adding to growing South Africa conversations on mental wellbeing.

Pharma Capacity Push: CSIR has taken responsibility for the second phase of South Africa’s Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Innovation Cluster, aimed at developing and commercialising small-molecule API production to reduce reliance on imported medicines. Regional Health Security: Namibia’s health ministry is calling for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, warning that diseases spread with people and trade. Public Health & Nutrition: A new global study says people worldwide eat far fewer vegetables than dietary guidelines recommend, while vegetable crop diversity is also declining—an issue linked to diet-related disease risk. School Safety Crisis: Gauteng reports rising violence around schools, including armed suspects and weapons found during stop-and-search operations, with education officials warning learners’ right to education is being threatened. Weather & Health Risks: KZN is under a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain, with possible flooding and slippery roads, while Durban’s N2 crash left one person dead and others injured. Gender Equity in Practice: A Women’s Month feature argues South Africa still struggles with inclusion without power, calling for accountability and system redesign rather than celebrating resilience alone. Mental Health Link: UWC research links heavier social media reliance and smartphone addiction with worse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms.

Mobile Primary Care Push: Gauteng has handed over seven solar-powered mobile clinic vehicles with oxygen, refrigeration and generators to bring primary health services closer to communities in Tshwane, Sedibeng, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, targeting areas where people travel far for care. Illegal Mining Tragedy: North West police say 14 suspected illegal chrome miners died and eight were injured after a rockfall/cave-in near Rustenburg; an inquest docket is open and authorities warn more people may still be trapped. Nutrition & Health Risk: A new global study reports people worldwide eat about 40% fewer vegetables than recommended, while vegetable crop diversity is declining—linking low intake to major diet-related disease risk. Immunisation Impact: The Lancet marks 50 years of WHO immunisation, estimating vaccines prevented 154 million deaths globally, including 101 million infants, with big gains in Africa. Local Health System Strain: Joburg’s cold snap is worsening electricity outages, disrupting water supply and raising pressure on essential services as City Power battles a growing backlog of fault calls. Governance & Accountability: A report highlights SA’s R1.377-trillion accumulated unauthorised/irregular/fruitless and wasteful spending—framing it as compliance without delivery, with knock-on effects for public services.