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The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Bhekisisa is one of only a few media outlets in the Global South specialising in solutions-based narrative features and analysis. We not only uncover problems but also critically evaluate the solutions meant to fix them. It’s an approach we also take with our opinion pieces.

What makes a good op-ed? What can I expect from the editing process? Who do I pitch a possible opinion piece to? Get the answers to all these questions along with some handy writing tips here before you make a submission.

Although the scheme's white paper was released at an economically uncertain time.

NHI a healthy dose to cure South Africa’s sickly system

Opinion Anuschka Coovadia -
Although the scheme's white paper was released at an economically uncertain time, it brings possibilities to those in need.
South Africa can reap substantial gains by learning from and collaborating with Brazil

SA should use Brics membership to strengthen research

Opinion John Ouma Mugabe -
South Africa has a lot to learn about efficient and effective ways to approach health research and policy, suggests John Ouma-Mugabe.
Decriminalising sex work could prevent between a third and almost half of all new HIV infections globally in the next 10 years among workers and clients.

I’m a nurse and this is why SA should decriminalise sex work

Opinion Lucy O’Connell -
Why would humanitarian workers support the call to decriminalize sex work? Sometimes bombs, floods aren't the only threats to our patients.
Coronavirus screening

Four reasons to be hopeful about South Africa’s coronavirus testing plan

Opinion Mosa Moshabela and Richard Lessells -
In a grim news cycle, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize’s announcement yesterday that the country is evaluating rapid tests for the new coronavirus is something to celebrate.
(Baz Ratner

This country has upheld its ban on gay sex. Here’s why it could be...

Opinion Adriaan Van Klinken -
“The failure to decriminalise consensual same-sex relations will undermine Kenya’s aim of reaching universal health coverage,” UNAids says.

‘There’s nothing un-African about being gay’: A mother’s plea for gay children’s right to...

Opinion Linda Mafu -
In this moving account, an HIV activist describes her relationship with her gay son and her fears over Uganda’s homophobic bill that criminalises his sexuality.
Will PrEP mean fewer new HIV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa in the near future? Not exactly

Is the HIV prevention pill a ‘magic bullet’?

Opinion Mitchell Warren -
PrEP is not a magic bullet. But we won’t end the HIV epidemic without it.
NHI: GPs polled want to work part-time.

Doctors give NHI a qualified thumbs up

Opinion Amy Green, Mia Malan and Ina Skosana -
GPs with their own practices are interested in working for the NHI scheme – with caveats.
Could MDMA one day come of the rave scene and into mainstream psychology? Emerging research may be a step in that direction.

Could this drug one day come out of the club and onto your therapist’s...

Opinion Molly Carlyle -
Ecstasy users are more empathetic than those who take other drugs – even when not on it.

Why many South African mothers give up breastfeeding their babies so soon

Opinion Chantell Witten -
The long-term benefits of breastfeeding for children’s development led to recommendations for its exclusive adoption in infants. But for some mothers, it isn’t a feasible option.
South Africa legalised abortion decades ago but a lack of information on where to get one and health workers willing to terminate pregnancies still stand between people and safe abortions.

Medical conscientious objectors who scupper abortions deny women their rights

Opinion Indira Govender -
Conscientious objectors who refuse to perform abortions or related services for moral reasons may have become a law unto themselves.
Most of the people surveyed in an informal study did not believe penis enlargement 'medicine' was effective

Are penis enlargements worth your while?

Opinion Thabisani Ndlovu and Maxwell Kadenge -
Endowment policies differ, but most people agree that "enlargement" promises much, delivers little.
There is evidence to suggest that TB itself is a risk factor for developing diabetes.

Comment: Do we take state help for granted?

Opinion Ziyanda Majombozi -
SA’s disability allowance eases the financial and emotional burden of people with tuberculosis.
pregnancy crisis centre

How US anti-abortion groups are funding South Africa’s ‘pregnancy crisis centres’

Opinion Mary Fitzgerald -
In 2018, Bhekisisa investigated anti-abortion pregnancy crisis centres in South Africa. Now, an investigation reveals the US right is backing some centres.
Minimal: Many elements in clinical care are routine and should be standardised.

Simple logic saves patients’ lives

Opinion Paul Levy -
Doctors and nurses don't need a miracle drug to prevent the massive number of premature deaths.
“We did not identify any source of funding. We have just identified several methods of financing the NHI

NHI: Let’s talk about this revolution

Opinion Chris Archer -
Minister, please sit down with the private health sector before the NHI has us paying more but getting less, writes Dr Chris Archer.
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