Iron deficiency anaemia is extremely common among women. According to the WHO, close to 30% of women between the ages of 16 and 49 suffered with iron deficiency anaemia in 2019. This translates to over half a billion women of child bearing age. This figure has remained stagnant over the last few years. What are the symptoms of iron deficiency […]

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, what are the added risks to patients with pre-existing infectious diseases, such as TB, HIV/Aids, Diabetes, etc? What can be done to further protect themselves? Individuals with underlying illnesses have an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. So how can you protect yourself if you do have a chronic condition? Your illness should […]

World AIDS Day is a chance for me to reflect on the many HIV infected patients I have treated and how far we have come. South Africa boasts the world’s largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme. Through the government’s prioritization of HIV, the national life expectancy of South Africans increased from 56 years in 2010 to 63 years in 2018. Yet […]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB). TB is highly prevalent in South Africa therefore it is not uncommon for employers and co-workers to find themselves in contact with infected individuals at the workplace. What are the symptoms and signs of TB? It is important to screen employees and ensure an early diagnosis of the condition in […]

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries taking blood to the heart is high. These arteries are called the pulmonary arteries and are shown in the figure. There are various reasons why the pulmonary artery pressure could be high. These include heart problems, chronic lung diseases, inflammation of the blood vessels due to certain diseases […]