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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
Spotlight
@spotlightnsp.bsky.social
450 followers 760 following 260 posts
In-depth, public interest health journalism from South Africa. Reporting and analysis on TB, HIV, NCDs, health systems, and much more. www.SpotlightNSP.co.za
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
Interesting article. As far as we know South Africa unfortunately hasn’t yet ratified the AMA treaty.
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
Mr Vincent Tlala, registrar and CEO of the South African Pharmacy Council, argues that the safe use of medicines is a shared responsibility, and is not only up to pharmacists.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/11/v...
Vincent Tlala | Medicines safety - the crucial role of pharmacists in protecting you
Medicines are among the most powerful tools in healthcare, but they also come with risks. As we mark #MedSafetyWeek, Mr Vincent Tlala, registrar and CEO of the South African Pharmacy Council, argues t...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 11, 2025 at 7:44 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
Remarkable findings from a study in rural KwaZulu-Natal suggest a compelling alternative to the current model of clinic-based care of hypertension.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/10/m...
Monitoring people’s blood pressure in their homes leads to better control – study finds
Hypertension is poorly managed in South Africa. Remarkable findings from a study in rural KwaZulu-Natal suggest a compelling alternative to the current model of clinic-based care – using community hea...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 10, 2025 at 7:29 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
Remarkable findings from a study in rural KwaZulu-Natal suggest a compelling alternative to the current model of clinic-based care of hypertension.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/10/m...
Monitoring people’s blood pressure in their homes leads to better control – study finds
Hypertension is poorly managed in South Africa. Remarkable findings from a study in rural KwaZulu-Natal suggest a compelling alternative to the current model of clinic-based care – using community hea...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 10, 2025 at 7:29 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
PRESSING ON | The funding crisis for TB research remains acute. Fortunately, much TB research continues. We give you the lowdown: tinyurl.com/yhjenfcn

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November 7, 2025 at 7:33 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
PRESSING ON | The funding crisis for TB research remains acute. Fortunately, much TB research continues. We give you the lowdown: tinyurl.com/yhjenfcn

Join our mailing list: shorturl.at/Ntzoa
November 7, 2025 at 7:33 AM
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madhupai.bsky.social
Swab-based molecular tests for tuberculosis using near-point-of-care platforms

New, large, multi-country study shows that Truenat MTB Ultima and MiniDock MTB have strong potential to exceed WHO minimum accuracy targets for a near point-of-care TB diagnostic

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
November 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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I suspect there will be some truly fascinating presentations of data from this study at conferences 3 or 4 years from now.
November 6, 2025 at 11:31 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
There is still much uncertainty over how asymptomatic TB functions in the body and how infectious it is. An ambitious study, set to be conducted in South Africa and Indonesia, is trying to find some answers, reports @elri-voigt.bsky.social.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/06/s...
SA and Indonesia team up on massive asymptomatic TB study
Over the last decade, there’s been growing evidence that people can have TB without having any symptoms. But there is still much uncertainty over how such asymptomatic TB functions in the body and how...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 6, 2025 at 7:38 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
There is still much uncertainty over how asymptomatic TB functions in the body and how infectious it is. An ambitious study, set to be conducted in South Africa and Indonesia, is trying to find some answers, reports @elri-voigt.bsky.social.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/06/s...
SA and Indonesia team up on massive asymptomatic TB study
Over the last decade, there’s been growing evidence that people can have TB without having any symptoms. But there is still much uncertainty over how such asymptomatic TB functions in the body and how...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 6, 2025 at 7:38 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
MUST READ | The number of HIV viral load tests recorded by the National Health Laboratory Service is significantly less than expected since Feb 2025. Spotlight and @groundup.org.za are aware of no compelling reason to explain this except the US aid withdrawal.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/04/w...
Withdrawal of US aid has hurt South Africa’s HIV programme
The number of HIV viral load tests is significantly lower than expected, according to an analysis of data from the National Health Laboratory Service which Spotlight and GroundUp obtained through the ...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 4, 2025 at 6:18 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
MUST READ | The number of HIV viral load tests recorded by the National Health Laboratory Service is significantly less than expected since Feb 2025. Spotlight and @groundup.org.za are aware of no compelling reason to explain this except the US aid withdrawal.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/04/w...
Withdrawal of US aid has hurt South Africa’s HIV programme
The number of HIV viral load tests is significantly lower than expected, according to an analysis of data from the National Health Laboratory Service which Spotlight and GroundUp obtained through the ...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 4, 2025 at 6:18 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
ON THE CUSP OF CHANGE | South Africa is on the brink of a major shift in HIV care. Soon, trained pharmacists will be able to dispense antiretrovirals without a doctor’s script required. Learn more in our: tinyurl.com/2cbumnrw

Join our mailing list: shorturl.at/Ntzoa
October 31, 2025 at 7:34 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
That TB and malnutrition often go hand-in-hand is well established, but it is also one of those connections that is often greeted by a shrug. That is something the WHO is hoping to change.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/03/w...
WHO recommends nutritional support in fight against TB – government claims to take it on board
Evidence has been mounting that poor nutrition impacts both someone’s risk of falling ill with TB and how well they do once ill. But as the World Health Organization (WHO) releases new guidelines on T...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 3, 2025 at 7:24 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
That TB and malnutrition often go hand-in-hand is well established, but it is also one of those connections that is often greeted by a shrug. That is something the WHO is hoping to change.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/11/03/w...
WHO recommends nutritional support in fight against TB – government claims to take it on board
Evidence has been mounting that poor nutrition impacts both someone’s risk of falling ill with TB and how well they do once ill. But as the World Health Organization (WHO) releases new guidelines on T...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
November 3, 2025 at 7:24 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
ON THE CUSP OF CHANGE | South Africa is on the brink of a major shift in HIV care. Soon, trained pharmacists will be able to dispense antiretrovirals without a doctor’s script required. Learn more in our: tinyurl.com/2cbumnrw

Join our mailing list: shorturl.at/Ntzoa
October 31, 2025 at 7:34 AM
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The second in our series on the key legal questions on which the NHI court cases are likely to turn. Great work from Jesse Copelyn, as always.
October 30, 2025 at 9:43 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
NHI NEWS | The NHI Act is facing a slew of legal challenges. Spotlight combed through court papers, and spoke with legal experts to pin down what specific arguments litigants are betting on.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/29/o...
On which legal arguments are the NHI court cases set to turn? Part 2: Right to healthcare services
The NHI Act is facing a slew of legal challenges from multiple organisations. For this special series, Spotlight combed through court papers, and spoke with legal experts to pin down what specific arg...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
October 29, 2025 at 7:46 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
NHI NEWS | The NHI Act is facing a slew of legal challenges. Spotlight combed through court papers, and spoke with legal experts to pin down what specific arguments litigants are betting on.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/29/o...
On which legal arguments are the NHI court cases set to turn? Part 2: Right to healthcare services
The NHI Act is facing a slew of legal challenges from multiple organisations. For this special series, Spotlight combed through court papers, and spoke with legal experts to pin down what specific arg...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
October 29, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Reposted by Spotlight
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
MONDAY MUST READ | Pharmacists with the required training will need special permits to dispense antiretrovirals without a doctor’s script. Spotlight reports that they may be able to start applying for these permits as soon as next month.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/p...
ARVs without a script: What next after major court ruling?
A landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal means specially trained pharmacists will soon be allowed to dispense antiretrovirals without a doctor’s script. Pharmacists with the required trainin...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
October 27, 2025 at 6:56 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
BIG SA NEWS IN HIV PREVENTION | Our medicines regulator approved an HIV prevention shot containing lenacapavir. It provides protection for six months with a single dose. A limited public rollout is set for April 2026.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/b...
October 27, 2025 at 9:27 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
BIG SA NEWS IN HIV PREVENTION | Our medicines regulator approved an HIV prevention shot containing lenacapavir. It provides protection for six months with a single dose. A limited public rollout is set for April 2026.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/b...
October 27, 2025 at 9:27 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
MONDAY MUST READ | Pharmacists with the required training will need special permits to dispense antiretrovirals without a doctor’s script. Spotlight reports that they may be able to start applying for these permits as soon as next month.

www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/27/p...
ARVs without a script: What next after major court ruling?
A landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal means specially trained pharmacists will soon be allowed to dispense antiretrovirals without a doctor’s script. Pharmacists with the required trainin...
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
October 27, 2025 at 6:56 AM
spotlightnsp.bsky.social
AGAINST THE ODDS | SA has an army of inspiring people making a difference. How could we bring more of the dynamism of our NGOs into our provincial health departments? tinyurl.com/y5atb8z

Join our mailing list: shorturl.at/Ntzoa
October 24, 2025 at 7:12 AM
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spotlightnsp.bsky.social
MUST READ | Ritshidze, South Africa’s powerhouse community-led healthcare monitor, is on the brink of shutting down. Experts warn its collapse could unravel years of progress in our clinics just as worrying new data emerges about HIV services.
www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/10/22/r...
World’s biggest community-led health watchdog falters as US backs out
Ritshidze is on the verge of collapse, threatening vital HIV services in South Africa. Learn about the urgent need for support.
www.spotlightnsp.co.za
October 22, 2025 at 6:40 AM