Netcare invests in expanding mental health facilities
'In response to the increasing need for mental health support in the broader Tshwane region, the group will be commissioning the new Netcare Akeso Montana facility (88 beds) in October 2026. Furthermore, the Netcare Akeso Alberlito facility (80 beds) is scheduled to open its doors in March 2027, strengthening the group's national footprint and reinforcing its dedication to meeting the mental healthcare needs of communities across South Africa,' it said.
It is also building a new Akeso hospital in Polokwane, which will have 87 beds.
Netcare said demand for quality mental healthcare services 'continues to grow and the group remains committed to expanding access and pursuing new opportunities in this vital space'.
On Monday, the company reported adjusted headline earnings per share increased by 20% to 58.8c for the six months to March and a 5.3% increase in total revenue to R12.6bn. The company declared an interim dividend of 36c per share. Total capital expenditure, including strategic projects, was R434m. Total capital expenditure for the 2025 full financial year is estimated at R1.5bn.
The company has embarked on a digital strategy aimed at improving efficiencies and reshaping the way it delivers health and care. The current rollout phase will see the group developing capabilities in predictive analytics and have made significant progress, with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approving algorithm for the early detection of sepsis (blood stream infections) in ICU patients.
'This innovation enables earlier clinical interventions and meaningfully enhances patient care and outcomes. In addition, an advanced analytics platform has been deployed, equipping clinical teams with real-time, actionable insights. Beyond the substantial clinical and patient benefits, this capability positions the group to reduce the cost per clinical event, reduce morbidity and mortality rates and improve overall efficiency,' said CEO Dr Richard Friedman.
The next phase of the digital transformation focuses on 'person-centred health and care' and is being rolled out over the next three to four years. 'This initiative will empower patients with direct access to their health records, enabling more meaningful engagement in their care journey and ensuring care delivery is deeply aligned with their individual needs and preferences,' he said.
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Daily Maverick
22-07-2025
- Daily Maverick
New respiratory virus vaccine a game changer for babies, but cost remains a barrier
A new respiratory syncytial virus vaccine to protect infants from severe illness is available in South Africa's private sector, but not yet in public clinics. The country's advisory group on immunisations has recommended making it available to all pregnant women. This proposal is now under review by the national Department of Health. Like the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is highly contagious. It is spread through airborne respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. RSV infection is often difficult to distinguish from the common cold. This is because it has similar symptoms and typically clears up without medical intervention. However, in some cases, it can become serious enough to need medical care or even a hospital stay, especially for babies under six months old, who are the most vulnerable. Severe illness typically affects the lower respiratory tract and can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can cause difficulty breathing. Babies who are admitted to hospital may need extra help, such as oxygen to help them breathe, fluids through a drip to keep them hydrated, and in serious cases, a machine to help them breathe. RSV is a major cause of illness and death in children under five, especially in the first six months of life in low- and middle-income countries. A recent global study estimated that in 2019, RSV was responsible for just over 100,000 deaths in children under five. This made up 2% of all deaths in this age group, and 3.6% of deaths in babies aged 28 days to six months. Nearly half of all RSV-related deaths occurred in babies under six months, and 97% of these deaths were in low- and middle-income countries. A new vaccine to prevent RSV in infants A new vaccine provides infants with significant protection against severe RSV disease. It is given to pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy (from week 28 to birth). Protective antibodies elicited by the vaccine are transferred from the mother to the foetus across the placenta. Currently, only one pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, markets the maternal RSV vaccine. It is sold under the brand name Abrysvo. It is also known by the generic name RSVpreF. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approved Abrysvo in December 2024, and it became available in the country's private sector in 2025. The effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing severe RSV disease was first announced in November 2022. This followed early positive results from the Maternal Immunisation Study for Safety and Efficacy (Matisse) which was conducted in 18 countries, including South Africa. It showed that infants born to mothers who received the maternal RSV vaccine had an 82.4% lower risk of developing severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness within the first 90 days of life than infants whose mothers received a placebo. At 180 days after birth, the vaccine was 70% effective in reducing the risk of severe RSV illness. Recommendations from health agencies By September 2023, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended giving the RSV vaccine to pregnant women to help protect their babies from severe illness. One year later, in September 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that all countries introduce the maternal RSV vaccine. It also recommended an alternative for babies whose mothers weren't vaccinated: a single dose of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab, ideally given at birth or before discharge from the birthing facility. While acknowledging cost limitations, the WHO noted that if not given at birth, the antibody could be given at the baby's first health visit. In countries offering it only during RSV season, older infants can receive the dose just before their first season begins. Nirsevimab is not yet registered in South Africa and the cost is expected to be a barrier to its rollout in the country. South Africa has not yet adopted formal guidelines for the broad use of the maternal RSV vaccine. But the National Advisory Group on Immunisations recently recommended that the national Department of Health introduce the RSVpreF vaccine into the public immunisation programme as a single-dose vaccination for all pregnant women. This recommendation was outlined in a letter to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on 23 April 2025. 'In line with the National Advisory Group on Immunisations' terms of reference which govern the committee's work, the department is currently assessing the cost and other implications of RSV vaccine introduction with relevant senior managers and other stakeholders,' the health department's spokesperson, Foster Mohale, told Spotlight. 'Feeback will be provided to the group's chairperson once a decision regarding possible introduction has been reached,' he added. Price remains a barrier Pfizer is selling Abrysvo in South Africa as a single-dose vaccine, priced at R3,746 ($US 210), excluding VAT and dispensing fees. This price for the private sector is significantly higher than the government's threshold for broad roll-out, according to a cost-effectiveness analysis of RSV immunisation. The analysis found that at a price of US$5 (about R90) per dose, the vaccine would offer savings to South Africa's health sector. But if the price exceeds US$40 (about R700) per dose then widespread procurement may no longer be feasible. Pfizer's pricing of Abrysvo in South Africa's private sector is 'disappointingly high', Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of the Witwatersrand, told Spotlight. He added that he thought 'something has gone awry in terms of pricing of the vaccine in South Africa'. He pointed out that the Pan American Health Organization, which works to improve the health and quality of life, secured a price of US$49 (about R800) per dose for procurement of the vaccine for use in Latin American countries. 'It does tell us that certainly the cost of producing a vaccine is nowhere close to $200 if the same vaccine is being provided at $49 to the Pan American Health Organization,' said Madhi. Pfizer did not answer questions from Spotlight about whether a lower price would be offered to the public sector, but a company spokesperson said: 'We are committed to working with the government and healthcare stakeholders to ensure our medicines and vaccines are available to all those who need them in South Africa.' 'There has been engagement with Pfizer, and they have indicated that the [public sector] price of the maternal RSV vaccine is likely to align with current Pan American Health Organization pricing,' said Mohale. Apart from pricing, he said that introducing the maternal RSV vaccine involved several other health system considerations. 'A comprehensive implementation guideline will be needed to address areas such as monitoring and evaluation, supply chain capacity, healthcare worker training, and demand creation to ensure effective and sustainable rollout,' said Mohale. Fortunately, South Africa, unlike some other countries, already had established vaccine programmes for pregnant women, said Madhi. 'We've been vaccinating pregnant women with the tetanus vaccine for decades now, and as of last year we actually introduced the acellular pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria combination vaccine for pregnant women,' he said. DM
IOL News
22-07-2025
- IOL News
Tshwane's draft policy aims to manage informal settlements and generate revenue
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya says the city has a draft policy on informal settlement management aimed at curbing the growth of informal settlements. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The City of Tshwane's draft policy on informal settlement management, currently open for public input, aims to curb the growth of informal settlements and explore revenue-generating opportunities. One approach is to electrify these areas, potentially generating revenue and reducing the city's annual expenditure of R1.5 billion on service provision. Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the city wants to limit the number of informal settlements growing in the metro while doing something about the existing 502 ones. 'There used to be 220 informal settlements in the city but after Covid, that number grew up to 502.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ She said the city spent about R1.5bn to provide services to informal settlements, but suggested there ought to be 'a better way of doing this'. The draft policy follows an investigation by the Cities Support Programme team, which found that upgrading or relocating all existing informal settlements would require R32.5 bn, far exceeding the current budget and resources. The report reveals that the city's current approach to informal settlement upgrading follows a standard township establishment process, which is unsustainable given the significant funding required to upgrade or relocate all existing settlements. Moya said the city is exploring alternative approaches to service delivery, such as metering informal settlements and allowing residents to pay for electricity, and improving sanitation services beyond just water tankering. 'So, that is the work that we have now proposed to the council and it is now with the community,' she said. Her comments were in response to a query about the city's plans to resettle or upgrade informal settlements in Olievenhoutbosch, following a recent mass shooting involving rival gangs at a tavern in the Choba informal settlement that claimed six lives. She was, however, not in a position to provide details about the city's plans specifically for the Choba informal settlement. Regarding the mass shooting at Choba informal settlements, Moya said: 'We obviously condemn such incidents and we don't want to hear more of those. We have heard of the Enyobeni incident. We don't want those things to be normalised in our society.' She said the city will prioritise protecting its residents and ensuring compliance with regulations, including enforcing tavern closure times. She expressed concern that Olievenhoutbosch has been neglected for years, as visible in the area's condition, and noted that allowing chaos to persist often leads to undesirable outcomes, such as lawlessness. 'The years of neglect are catching up with us because that level of lawlessness was never supposed to happen in Olievenhoutbosch,' Moya said.
TimesLIVE
18-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Mpox vaccines rolled out in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal as cases rise
The department of health says it has launched a mpox vaccination drive in the three provinces hardest hit by the virus which are Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 'The department has embarked on a vaccination drive against mpox disease as the number of laboratory-confirmed cases is gradually rising in the country,' it said. The vaccination programme is being rolled out at selected public health facilities, travel clinics and private providers. The department confirmed that two new cases had been detected in Johannesburg and Cape Town, increasing the total number of confirmed mpox infections in South Africa to 10 since the beginning of 2025. According to the department, the two latest patients are aged 32 and 45 with no recent travel history. The department also said that due to limited supply with 10,500 doses of the Imvanex® vaccine donated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control the rollout will be done in phases, starting in areas with confirmed outbreaks. 'Priority will be given to people at higher risk of contracting the virus, including those who came into close contact with confirmed cases, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and travellers heading to regions experiencing active mpox outbreaks,' said the department. 'Where indicated, vaccination will be offered to pregnant women and children older than two years.' . The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved the importation of the vaccine via a special section 21 application, allowing the use of a product not yet registered in South Africa. The National Control Laboratory tested the doses for safety and efficacy before public use. 'The vaccine was found to be safe and is well tolerated in the vast majority of people,' said the department. Mpox, a virus previously known as monkeypox, typically presents with a rash lasting two to four weeks, fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, low energy and headache. The rash can appear as painful blisters or sores, particularly on the face, hands, feet, groin and genital or anal areas. Though not officially classified as a sexually transmitted infection, mpox can spread through close physical contact including sex, hugging, kissing and even sharing contaminated bedding, towels or clothing. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) recorded 25 confirmed cases and three deaths in 2024. 'Vaccination helps to control the spread of this preventable and manageable disease. Vaccinated individuals are protected from becoming infected and from developing severe complications,' said the department. Common side effects after immunisation may include pain or redness at the injection site, fever, muscle aches and nausea but these usually resolve without treatment in a few days. 'These side effects can be managed by having enough rest, staying hydrated and taking medication for pain, if needed. Individuals are encouraged to report any suspected side effects to a healthcare professional or through the Med Safety App, which is available for free on Android and iOS,' said the department. The department is urging residents in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to remain vigilant. 'Those who suspect they are at risk of infection should consult their nearest health facility for screening, testing, and to check if they qualify for vaccination.' it said.
