In-depth, public interest health journalism from South Africa. Reporting and analysis on TB, HIV, NCDs, health systems, and much more. www.SpotlightNSP.co.zahttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mvajat5ibs2cNEW DG, HUGE CHALLENGES | Dr Thembisile Xulu is South Africa’s sixth permanent Director-General of health since the dawn of democracy. How will she measure up against her predecessors? Read our newsletter: tinyurl.com/59un263h Join our mailing list: tinyurl.com/82jdsfjy11 Sep 2026 11:58 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvajat5ibs2chttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mv2uvywahk2lUNPAID AND UNPROTECTED | For years, hospitals have relied on the unpaid, unprotected labour of trainee-specialists to fill their rosters, but these doctors are reaching a breaking point. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/09/exploited-and-exhausted-sas-ghost-doctors-start-to-rattle-their-chains/09 Sep 2026 06:11 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv2uvywahk2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mv2uvywahk2lUNPAID AND UNPROTECTED | For years, hospitals have relied on the unpaid, unprotected labour of trainee-specialists to fill their rosters, but these doctors are reaching a breaking point. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/09/exploited-and-exhausted-sas-ghost-doctors-start-to-rattle-their-chains/09 Sep 2026 06:11 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv2uvywahk2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muvupa3vws26RURAL HEALTH HERO | As a young doctor working in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Hennie Hamilton lived with a Zulu family for four years, an experience which, he says, changed him forever. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/07/this-one-was-brought-by-god-himself-the-doctor-helping-people-see-again-in-rural-kzn/07 Sep 2026 06:24 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muvupa3vws26https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muorx4tugs2nPOWERFUL ANTIBODIES | Researchers first identified bNAbs in a person living with HIV in the 1990s. Since then, they have discovered many more bNAbs. We give you the rundown on what researchers are exploring now: https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/24/in-the-spotlight-what-are-broadly-neutralising-antibodies-and-what-do-they-mean-for-the-fight-against-hiv/04 Sep 2026 10:46 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muorx4tugs2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muvupa3vws26RURAL HEALTH HERO | As a young doctor working in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Hennie Hamilton lived with a Zulu family for four years, an experience which, he says, changed him forever. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/07/this-one-was-brought-by-god-himself-the-doctor-helping-people-see-again-in-rural-kzn/07 Sep 2026 06:24 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muvupa3vws26https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muorx4tugs2nPOWERFUL ANTIBODIES | Researchers first identified bNAbs in a person living with HIV in the 1990s. Since then, they have discovered many more bNAbs. We give you the rundown on what researchers are exploring now: https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/24/in-the-spotlight-what-are-broadly-neutralising-antibodies-and-what-do-they-mean-for-the-fight-against-hiv/04 Sep 2026 10:46 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muorx4tugs2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muojl6utd22tICYMI | To Professor Salim Abdool Karim, excellence should be the only standard. In science, he says he is inspired by imaginative thinking such as that of American comic publisher Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/06/24/from-spider-man-to-mandela-the-many-influences-in-professor-salim-abdool-karims-remarkable-scientific-career/04 Sep 2026 08:16 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muojl6utd22thttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muh4ynsxrs2sLEN IN THE WESTERN CAPE | From counselling about small nodules to overcoming people’s fears of needles, Spotlight takes the pulse of a new HIV prevention injection’s rollout in the Western Cape. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/01/with-over-3-600-western-cape-users-lenacapavir-is-cool/01 Sep 2026 09:42 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muh4ynsxrs2shttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mumgazbz6k22WOMEN IN HEALTH | Forensic nursing, while important, remains a largely overlooked specialisation, with little incentive for remuneration. Yet, one nurse tells Spotlight every flicker of hope a patient carries home is a reminder of why she chose this path. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/03/this-specialist-forensic-nurse-in-germiston-helped-put-a-serial-rapist-behind-bars/03 Sep 2026 12:11 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mumgazbz6k22https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mujmoa4e2226ICYMI | Have a look at our special briefing detailing the vaccines currently being used in South Africa. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/07/01/in-the-spotlight-what-is-in-sas-vaccination-schedule-and-how-does-it-measure-up/02 Sep 2026 09:28 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mujmoa4e2226https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muh4ynsxrs2sLEN IN THE WESTERN CAPE | From counselling about small nodules to overcoming people’s fears of needles, Spotlight takes the pulse of a new HIV prevention injection’s rollout in the Western Cape. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/09/01/with-over-3-600-western-cape-users-lenacapavir-is-cool/01 Sep 2026 09:42 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muh4ynsxrs2shttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3muejlacqqc22PMB LIMBO? Reforming prescribed minimum benefits is about creating the flexibility to expand access, strengthen prevention and make medical scheme cover more affordable, writes Managing Director of the Board of Healthcare Funders Dr Katlego Mothudi. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/07/31/reforming-prescribed-minimum-benefits-is-the-first-step-to-affordable-medical-cover/31 Aug 2026 08:49 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3muejlacqqc22https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mu4tyckjp22kTIME WILL TELL | Scientists are hard at work looking for new ways to prevent and treat HIV. One area of research that is generating substantial interest is broadly neutralising antibodies. Find out more: tinyurl.com/mrx8ueuh Join our mailing list: tinyurl.com/82jdsfjy28 Aug 2026 07:34 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mu4tyckjp22khttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mu3yvgh3lc2bTB VACCINE | A pivotal clinical trial could pave the way for a new TB vaccine in more than a century. As we await the results, Russell Rensburg argues that it’s time to start preparing for the broader realities of rolling out the jab. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/28/sa-is-one-step-closer-to-a-new-tb-vaccine-but-there-is-a-lot-of-work-ahead/27 Aug 2026 23:29 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mu3yvgh3lc2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtxxydt24s22PIMART PARTLY TAKES OFF | Specially trained pharmacists can now begin applying for permits to dispense antiretroviral medicines for HIV prevention without a doctor’s prescription. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/26/some-pharmacists-can-now-apply-for-permits-to-provide-hiv-prevention-pills-without-a-doctors-script/26 Aug 2026 09:03 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtxxydt24s22https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtxxydt24s22PIMART PARTLY TAKES OFF | Specially trained pharmacists can now begin applying for permits to dispense antiretroviral medicines for HIV prevention without a doctor’s prescription. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/26/some-pharmacists-can-now-apply-for-permits-to-provide-hiv-prevention-pills-without-a-doctors-script/26 Aug 2026 09:03 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtxxydt24s22https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtst7uvbkk22MUST READ | In this special briefing, we zoom in on broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), the secret sauce in these immune responses, and their potential role in the future of HIV treatment and prevention. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/24/in-the-spotlight-what-are-broadly-neutralising-antibodies-and-what-do-they-mean-for-the-fight-against-hiv/24 Aug 2026 07:54 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtst7uvbkk22https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtt2ugq4ty25World’s largest research funder lifts ban on South Africa The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) has lifted its ban nearly 18 months after an order to stop work with South... https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/24/worlds-largest-research-funder-lifts-ban-on-south-africa/24 Aug 2026 10:11 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtt2ugq4ty25https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtt2ugq4ty25World’s largest research funder lifts ban on South Africa The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) has lifted its ban nearly 18 months after an order to stop work with South... https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/24/worlds-largest-research-funder-lifts-ban-on-south-africa/24 Aug 2026 10:11 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtt2ugq4ty25https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtst7uvbkk22MUST READ | In this special briefing, we zoom in on broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), the secret sauce in these immune responses, and their potential role in the future of HIV treatment and prevention. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/24/in-the-spotlight-what-are-broadly-neutralising-antibodies-and-what-do-they-mean-for-the-fight-against-hiv/24 Aug 2026 07:54 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtst7uvbkk22https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtlmglor2s2qA HUGE DEAL | We understand why Professor Glenda Gray found it so moving that the US National Institutes of Health lifted the block on funding for research in South Africa. Find out in our newsletter: tinyurl.com/y8wbf8xb Join our mailing list: tinyurl.com/82jdsfjy21 Aug 2026 11:04 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtlmglor2s2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtipjotjys25WOMEN IN HEALTH | With glimmers of tenderness beneath a stoic façade, Tara Gerardy-Bissolati tells Spotlight about her struggle to beat opioids, why homelessness is a public health issue, and her commitment to bring hope to people living rough in Cape Town. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/20/the-woman-caring-for-cape-towns-homeless-once-numbed-her-own-pain-with-opioids/20 Aug 2026 07:21 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtipjotjys25https://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtg5zw37wadoReally big news for SA researchers [contains quote post or other embedded content]19 Aug 2026 07:03 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtg5zw37wadohttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mte2qptm4s2cWOMEN IN HEALTH | Long before she became a pioneering scientist and paediatric cardiologist, Professor Liesl Zühlke insisted on seeing her tonsils after they were removed when she was just five years old. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/18/this-world-class-scientist-from-cape-town-used-to-cut-up-her-dolls-and-perform-imaginary-transplant-surgeries/18 Aug 2026 10:59 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mte2qptm4s2chttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mtayuybbzs2cICYMI | South Africa’s first set of clinical guidelines focused on older people living with HIV has been released. The guidelines are particularly important since the country has an ageing population of people living with HIV. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/07/30/people-with-hiv-are-living-longer-but-have-fewer-years-of-good-health-new-guidelines-aim-to-change-that/17 Aug 2026 05:47 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtayuybbzs2chttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mszngxiql22h#VOTE4HEALTH | Municipal health services impact the safety of the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Find out more: tinyurl.com/55rchdzz You can join our mailing list: tinyurl.com/82jdsfjy14 Aug 2026 07:34 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mszngxiql22hhttps://bsky.app/profile/spotlightnsp.bsky.social/post/3mszngnlytc23#InsideTheBox | In his latest column for Spotlight, Dr Andy Gray unpacks the legal background and the current state of the still unfolding regulatory saga surrounding complementary and alternative medicines. https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/14/inside-the-box-with-dr-andy-gray-are-complementary-medicines-effectively-regulated-in-south-africa/14 Aug 2026 07:34 +0000at://did:plc:jonfyv7sw4yyacspczyvtbrf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mszngnlytc23