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Opinion

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.

South Africa is making progress in treating drug-resistant TB.

SA makes great strides in treating ‘strong’ TB

The country has one of the highest tuberculosis burdens. But it is rapidly gaining access to new diagnostic tools and medicine for drug-resistant TB.
The United Nations will bring together 192 countries for the fourth high-level meeting on tuberculosis in 2018.

#Unmask TB stigma with a selfie

Fearing social rejection, many patients don't seek treatment. To show your solidarity, don a surgical mask and post a selfie on World TB Day.
A man grabs a girl to bring her back to her family home after she tried to escape when she realised she is to be married against her will

How schooling can save African girls from becoming child brides

Although important victories have been won in the fight to protect girls from becoming child brides, the practice remains common and is growing.
Junior doctors lives stand still as they wait to be paid after the human resource staff failed to capture their details to the payroll system on time.

Doctors must be taught how to be better counsellors on lifestyle choices

People who smoke and drink too much, don’t exercise and eat unhealthily are likely to suffer from non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease.
Many cultures have used cannabis as a medicine

It’s high time we make cannabis available for medical research

Medical regulatory bodies must be guided by solid evidence rather than pressure from recreational users pushing for the legalisation of the drug.
Nine-year-old Tumelo shows antiretrovirals.

Free ARVs are not enough: The hidden costs of treating HIV in Nigeria

Financial risk-protection mechanisms could alleviate the high food and transport costs incurred by rural people seeking to access treatment for HIV.
Boys prepare fishing boats for night fishing in Lake Tanganyika at sunset.

Fishing and family planning – how the two are linked

Sometimes, delivering mixed messages is a good thing, as an integrated project in the Lake Tanganyika region has proved.
Mbeki was ousted as president in 2008

Snub Mbeki like he did Nkosi

About 35 000 babies could have been born without HIV had the president listened to the boy.
Kenya

Why Africa needs PrEP: A two-in-one pill to prevent HIV infection

Truvada, which contains two antiretrovirals, reduces the risk of HIV infection with up to 96%.
Drumming therapy can help to reduce anger and tension and increase a sense of wellbeing.

African rhythms heal around the globe

Nicola Plastow looks at some of the settings in which African drumming has been used to improve mental health.
Most medical aids won't cover a new

Better maternity leave laws are needed to protect African mothers

Maternity leave for women in developing countries is still a massive problem, with many women in informal sectors not receiving adequate cover.
Almost half of all Kenyan women aged 15 to 49 years have a child under the age of five. For most of these women

How women who work are held back by a lack of quality daycare in...

The increasingly disjointed nature of life in urban slums means there’s no network of family support for mothers who want to work.
Betty Walakira was one of the scientists who pitched her innovation

From the judges’ seat: Three lessons for scientists

Here are three tips to help keep your scientific presentations interesting, full of life and not sleep inducing.
About half the country’s population is younger than 15.

Young women told: ‘If a man touches you, you’ll get pregnant’

Unintended pregnancies and abortions in Nigeria could be reduced if myths are dispelled and young women have the right information.
African drumming can help treat people with depression and other mental illnesses.

African drumming: New rhythm in therapy

Drumming therapy can help to reduce anger and tension and increase a sense of wellbeing.
A Nigerian schoolgirl is vaccinated against polio during a mass nationwide polio inoculation.

Five lessons Nigeria learnt when it clamped down on polio

Success hinges on a number of key factors, ranging from government buy-in to harnessing the support of traditional leaders and civil society.