Rural Health Advocacy Project
@rhapnews.bsky.social
The Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP) advocates for access to quality and comprehensive rural health care in South Africa.
https://rhap.org.za/
https://rhap.org.za/
Rural health funding must remain a priority despite economic strain, budget cuts should not deepen existing disparities in rural communities. It's critical to have strong, equitable budgeting to ensure accessible health services.
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
November 5, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Rural health funding must remain a priority despite economic strain, budget cuts should not deepen existing disparities in rural communities. It's critical to have strong, equitable budgeting to ensure accessible health services.
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
RHAP is dedicated to realising the right to health for people in rural areas by advocating for equitable access to healthcare and strengthening accountability systems. #ruralhealthcare
Read more in our policy briefs by visiting our resources page: rhap.org.za/resource_typ...
Read more in our policy briefs by visiting our resources page: rhap.org.za/resource_typ...
October 23, 2025 at 5:55 AM
RHAP is dedicated to realising the right to health for people in rural areas by advocating for equitable access to healthcare and strengthening accountability systems. #ruralhealthcare
Read more in our policy briefs by visiting our resources page: rhap.org.za/resource_typ...
Read more in our policy briefs by visiting our resources page: rhap.org.za/resource_typ...
ICYMI | Rural areas face unique healthcare challenges such as limited access to services and staff shortages. #RHC2025 highlighted how communities, health workers, and policymakers are driving activism and action for equity in rural health.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/09/rura...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/09/rura...
Rural Health Conference 2025: Voices, activism, and action for equity
With the theme ‘Rural Health in Real Life’, the 28th Rural Health Conference brought together health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and communities, to once again tackle […]
rhap.org.za
October 20, 2025 at 6:02 AM
ICYMI | Rural areas face unique healthcare challenges such as limited access to services and staff shortages. #RHC2025 highlighted how communities, health workers, and policymakers are driving activism and action for equity in rural health.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/09/rura...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/09/rura...
Long distances & poor roads delay rural healthcare. About 15% of the population travel 1hr+ to a clinic, while 20% are an hour away to a hospital, then face ambulance shortages. These delays can lead to poor health outcomes for TB patients.
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
October 14, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Long distances & poor roads delay rural healthcare. About 15% of the population travel 1hr+ to a clinic, while 20% are an hour away to a hospital, then face ambulance shortages. These delays can lead to poor health outcomes for TB patients.
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Teenage pregnancy is a major driver of school dropouts in SA. A Bushbuckridge study found that almost 16% of grade 8–11 girls fell pregnant during the study, making them 2.36x more likely to drop out, repeat grades, or struggle with attendance.
Read more: bit.ly/3zBpjTp
Read more: bit.ly/3zBpjTp
October 13, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Teenage pregnancy is a major driver of school dropouts in SA. A Bushbuckridge study found that almost 16% of grade 8–11 girls fell pregnant during the study, making them 2.36x more likely to drop out, repeat grades, or struggle with attendance.
Read more: bit.ly/3zBpjTp
Read more: bit.ly/3zBpjTp
In rural SA, mental health is under-resourced & often invisible. Dr Bianca Moffett warns: policies mean little without dedicated strategy & culturally relevant care. No one should be left behind. #WorldMentalHealthDay
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/07/ment...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/07/ment...
Mental health in rural SA needs a dedicated strategy to ensure communities are not left behind
As a country South Africa has strong mental health policies on paper. But these are not being implemented equitably. Rural areas are especially disadvantaged, with […]
rhap.org.za
October 10, 2025 at 6:09 AM
In rural SA, mental health is under-resourced & often invisible. Dr Bianca Moffett warns: policies mean little without dedicated strategy & culturally relevant care. No one should be left behind. #WorldMentalHealthDay
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/07/ment...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/07/ment...
Malnutrition remains a major challenge in South Africa’s fight against TB. In EC, lack of nutritional support, unemployment, and household hunger make treatment harder. TB survivor, Vuyiswa Zanekile stressed that patients would manage treatment better with enough food. #NationalNutritionWeek
October 7, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Malnutrition remains a major challenge in South Africa’s fight against TB. In EC, lack of nutritional support, unemployment, and household hunger make treatment harder. TB survivor, Vuyiswa Zanekile stressed that patients would manage treatment better with enough food. #NationalNutritionWeek
Breast cancer affects thousands of SAs each year, but in rural communities, access to info, screening & care remains limited. This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, we spotlight @CANSA's Zodwa Sithole who is working tirelessly to change this reality.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Championing cancer advocacy in rural South Africa: CANSA’S Zodwa Sithole on advocacy, challenges, and hope
Breast cancer affects thousands of South Africans every year, yet rural communities often face the greatest barriers in accessing life-saving information, screening, and care. In […]
rhap.org.za
October 2, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Breast cancer affects thousands of SAs each year, but in rural communities, access to info, screening & care remains limited. This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, we spotlight @CANSA's Zodwa Sithole who is working tirelessly to change this reality.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Coming up at #RHC2025, Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka will explore resilience through an indigenous healing lens in Africa. Her work shows how African heritage shapes health and healing in rural contexts.
We spoke to her to get her insights, read more here: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
We spoke to her to get her insights, read more here: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
Resilience in Healing: Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka on indigenous medicine and African heritage
Growing up in Xhora, Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape, Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka was surrounded by healers. “My grandmother was a fertility herbalist, helping women struggling […]
rhap.org.za
September 8, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Coming up at #RHC2025, Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka will explore resilience through an indigenous healing lens in Africa. Her work shows how African heritage shapes health and healing in rural contexts.
We spoke to her to get her insights, read more here: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
We spoke to her to get her insights, read more here: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
TB remains one of SA’s most persistent and deadly public health challenges, especially in rural areas. Ernest Nkanyana, a dedicated health worker and Chair of the Civil Society Forum in Bushbuckridge shares stark realities and solutions.
Read more: bit.ly/4mIXv2V
Read more: bit.ly/4mIXv2V
Fighting stigma and strengthening TB treatment in Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga
By: Palesa Chidi Tuberculosis (TB) remains a formidable public health challenge in South Africa, particularly in rural districts like Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga. Despite TB being […]
bit.ly
September 1, 2025 at 6:43 AM
TB remains one of SA’s most persistent and deadly public health challenges, especially in rural areas. Ernest Nkanyana, a dedicated health worker and Chair of the Civil Society Forum in Bushbuckridge shares stark realities and solutions.
Read more: bit.ly/4mIXv2V
Read more: bit.ly/4mIXv2V
Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka reflects on the strength found in indigenous medicine and African heritage. Her views highlights how traditional knowledge continues to shape healing and resilience in rural communities. #AfricanTraditionalMedicineWeek
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
Resilience in Healing: Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka on indigenous medicine and African heritage
Growing up in Xhora, Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape, Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka was surrounded by healers. “My grandmother was a fertility herbalist, helping women struggling […]
rhap.org.za
August 29, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka reflects on the strength found in indigenous medicine and African heritage. Her views highlights how traditional knowledge continues to shape healing and resilience in rural communities. #AfricanTraditionalMedicineWeek
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/resi...
In rural Mpumalanga, Dr Nicole Fiolet is transforming women’s healthcare. At Tintswalo Hospital, she turned a gap in cervical cancer screening into one of the province’s few dedicated women’s clinics, tackling cervical cancer. #WomensMonth2025
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/dr-n...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/dr-n...
Dr Nicole Fiolet leads the charge against cervical cancer and diabetes in rural Mpumalanga Dr Nicole Fiolet leads the charge against cervical cancer and diabetes in rural Mpumalanga
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women. Every year in South Africa, approximately 10,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, […]
rhap.org.za
August 28, 2025 at 6:56 AM
In rural Mpumalanga, Dr Nicole Fiolet is transforming women’s healthcare. At Tintswalo Hospital, she turned a gap in cervical cancer screening into one of the province’s few dedicated women’s clinics, tackling cervical cancer. #WomensMonth2025
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/dr-n...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2025/08/dr-n...
Is the voice of the patient considered? RHAP Director, Russell Rensburg, will unpack this question at the GIBS/PPS Healthcare Conference. This conversation is vital to ensuring that healthcare systems reflect patient realities and experiences.
August 26, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Is the voice of the patient considered? RHAP Director, Russell Rensburg, will unpack this question at the GIBS/PPS Healthcare Conference. This conversation is vital to ensuring that healthcare systems reflect patient realities and experiences.
Head of Advocacy at @CANSA, Zodwa Sithole's passion for cancer awareness was born from personal tragedy. She now leads national efforts to improve rural access to cancer screening, treatment, and support. Her work ensures no patient is left behind.
Read: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Read: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Championing cancer advocacy in rural South Africa: CANSA’S Zodwa Sithole on advocacy, challenges, and hope
Breast cancer affects thousands of South Africans every year, yet rural communities often face the greatest barriers in accessing life-saving information, screening, and care. In […]
rhap.org.za
August 25, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Head of Advocacy at @CANSA, Zodwa Sithole's passion for cancer awareness was born from personal tragedy. She now leads national efforts to improve rural access to cancer screening, treatment, and support. Her work ensures no patient is left behind.
Read: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
Read: rhap.org.za/2024/10/cham...
The Rural Health Advocacy Project advocates for equitable access to quality health care for rural communities in SA. We advocate for equity in health policy, resource allocation, and service delivery, because rural lives matter too. #RuralHealth
August 22, 2025 at 6:01 AM
The Rural Health Advocacy Project advocates for equitable access to quality health care for rural communities in SA. We advocate for equity in health policy, resource allocation, and service delivery, because rural lives matter too. #RuralHealth
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, bringing hope and healing, especially in #rural areas with limited medical access.
Midwife Lungi Gamede shares her journey, highlighting the vital yet often unseen roles nurses play beyond medicine.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/05/from...
Midwife Lungi Gamede shares her journey, highlighting the vital yet often unseen roles nurses play beyond medicine.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/05/from...
From Passion to Purpose: Lungi Gamede's Journey as a nurse
By: Palesa Chidi Nurses are the unsung heroes of rural communities, where access to healthcare can be limited and the challenges they face are unique. […]
rhap.org.za
August 18, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, bringing hope and healing, especially in #rural areas with limited medical access.
Midwife Lungi Gamede shares her journey, highlighting the vital yet often unseen roles nurses play beyond medicine.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/05/from...
Midwife Lungi Gamede shares her journey, highlighting the vital yet often unseen roles nurses play beyond medicine.
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/05/from...
August is a powerful reminder of how far women have come, from silenced voices to community leaders and nation-builders. As Thumeka Ndobane reflects, this month reminds women of their right to speak, lead, and be seen as more than their homely roles. #WomensMonth
August 15, 2025 at 8:10 AM
August is a powerful reminder of how far women have come, from silenced voices to community leaders and nation-builders. As Thumeka Ndobane reflects, this month reminds women of their right to speak, lead, and be seen as more than their homely roles. #WomensMonth
"A mother is everything, the eye of the family and the nation. She leads, nurtures, teaches, and sacrifices. It’s time the state truly protects, values, and uplifts women for the role they play in shaping society," says Nontsokolo Sigcawu, a Mankosi village resident. #WomensMonth
August 14, 2025 at 6:53 AM
"A mother is everything, the eye of the family and the nation. She leads, nurtures, teaches, and sacrifices. It’s time the state truly protects, values, and uplifts women for the role they play in shaping society," says Nontsokolo Sigcawu, a Mankosi village resident. #WomensMonth
Rural Champion | Jabulile Ndlovu is improving rural health through occupational therapy, supporting stroke survivors, children with disabilities, and people with mental health conditions to live fuller, more independent lives. #RuralHealth
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/07/cham...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/07/cham...
Championing rural wellness: Jabulile Ndlovu's journey in Occupational Therapy
By: Palesa Chidi In the corners of rural KwaZulu-Natal, where resources are scarce and challenges are abundant, Jabulile Ndlovu stands as a beacon of hope […]
rhap.org.za
August 13, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Rural Champion | Jabulile Ndlovu is improving rural health through occupational therapy, supporting stroke survivors, children with disabilities, and people with mental health conditions to live fuller, more independent lives. #RuralHealth
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/07/cham...
Read more: rhap.org.za/2024/07/cham...
In 2022, 40% of patients at SA clinics faced contraceptive stockouts. 76% lacked injectables. Many adolescent girls get fewer options & poor counselling, raising risks of side effects & unplanned pregnancies. #InternationalYouthDay
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
August 12, 2025 at 6:37 AM
In 2022, 40% of patients at SA clinics faced contraceptive stockouts. 76% lacked injectables. Many adolescent girls get fewer options & poor counselling, raising risks of side effects & unplanned pregnancies. #InternationalYouthDay
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read more: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
A Limpopo study highlighted challenges nurses face in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, such as staff shortages, and limited support. Solutions like health education, door-to-door campaigns, and policy implementation can improve outcomes.
Read more: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Read more: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
August 6, 2025 at 6:43 AM
A Limpopo study highlighted challenges nurses face in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, such as staff shortages, and limited support. Solutions like health education, door-to-door campaigns, and policy implementation can improve outcomes.
Read more: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Read more: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
The 2024 Rural Health Conference highlighted the power of collaboration between service providers and communities. RHAP looks forward to #RHC2025 under the theme Rural Health in Real Life. #RuralHealth
Read the recap here: rhap.org.za/2024/08/stro...
Read the recap here: rhap.org.za/2024/08/stro...
Stronger Together: Service Providers and Communities Unite at the Rural Health Conference 2024 in Mpumalanga.
By: Palesa Chidi, Celene Coleman and Hanifa Mahlangu “Together WE CAN Make a Difference”: Ms Lungile Kasapato Rural areas face unique challenges such as limited […]
rhap.org.za
August 4, 2025 at 6:31 AM
The 2024 Rural Health Conference highlighted the power of collaboration between service providers and communities. RHAP looks forward to #RHC2025 under the theme Rural Health in Real Life. #RuralHealth
Read the recap here: rhap.org.za/2024/08/stro...
Read the recap here: rhap.org.za/2024/08/stro...
Traditional healers play a key role in rural mental health, offering first-line care and culturally grounded support. Collaborative care models linking traditional and biomedical systems expand access, reduce stigma, and improve early detection.
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
July 30, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Traditional healers play a key role in rural mental health, offering first-line care and culturally grounded support. Collaborative care models linking traditional and biomedical systems expand access, reduce stigma, and improve early detection.
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
Mental health in rural SA needs more than awareness, it needs strong support. From youth-friendly services to traditional healer partnerships and better data, these grounded interventions highlight what real progress looks like. #ruralhealth
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
July 29, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Mental health in rural SA needs more than awareness, it needs strong support. From youth-friendly services to traditional healer partnerships and better data, these grounded interventions highlight what real progress looks like. #ruralhealth
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
Read more: bit.ly/3GZF3no
SA’s rural communities still battle to access basic healthcare due to overcrowded hospitals, understaffed clinics, and long distances worsened by poor roads and poverty. RHAP’s report shows how equitable UHC can help close these gaps.
Read full report: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read full report: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
July 28, 2025 at 5:28 AM
SA’s rural communities still battle to access basic healthcare due to overcrowded hospitals, understaffed clinics, and long distances worsened by poor roads and poverty. RHAP’s report shows how equitable UHC can help close these gaps.
Read full report: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...
Read full report: rhap.org.za/wp-content/u...