Revolutionary advances in health: from wearables to maternal care
The medical industry is a dynamic space, constantly evolving to meet humanity's health needs. Recent years have brought groundbreaking innovations and research findings that promise to reshape healthcare.
From wearable technology to advancements in maternal health and immune system research, these milestones are not only improving lives but also providing hope for tackling some of the most pressing global health challenges.
Below, we explore some of the most pivotal developments in the health industry today.
Wearable technology: revolutionising diabetes management
For individuals managing diabetes, living with constant monitoring can be cumbersome. Enter the FreeStyle Libre 2, a small, wearable sensor that continuously tracks glucose levels and delivers readings directly to your smartphone.
Unlike traditional finger-prick methods, this device provides real-time insights without the need for invasive procedures, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health.
Wearable health technology like FreeStyle Libre 2 exemplifies the intersection of convenience and innovation.
In a world where nearly 537 million adults are living with diabetes (according to the International Diabetes Federation), tools like these make it easier to manage the condition, improve quality of life, and reduce complications.
Rooibos tea: a natural ally for health
Rooibos tea, a caffeine-free South African tisane, has long been celebrated for its soothing properties and high antioxidant content.
Beyond being a comforting beverage, researchers are now exploring its potential role in addressing obesity and related health challenges.
Leading this research is Professor Elmarie Terblanche, from Stellenbosch University, who is investigating how rooibos consumption impacts women who are overweight or obese.
According to Terblanche, her study focuses on body composition, inflammation, glycaemic control and cardiovascular fitness.
With obesity rates rising globally, this research could pave the way for natural, accessible interventions for improving metabolic health.
Rooibos tea is increasingly recognised as more than just a cultural staple; it’s a potential game-changer in the fight against chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.
Maternal health in South Africa: a policy revolution
Maternal health is a critical indicator of a country’s overall healthcare system, and South Africa has taken a bold step forward with the National Integrated Maternal and Perinatal Care Guidelines (IMPCGs).
These guidelines represent a watershed moment for women's health in the country, with provisions for respectful maternity care, mental health, and addressing intimate partner violence.
“Good maternal health is a basic human right,” says Associate Professor Simone Honikman, founder of the Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP).
The IMPCGs aim to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns by addressing systemic issues like disrespect in healthcare settings, insufficient mental health support, and the alarming rates of domestic violence.
South Africa’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 109.6 deaths per 100,000 live births (2022), significantly higher than the global target of less than 70 by 2030. By comparison, countries like the UK report a ratio of just 13.41 per 100,000 births.
The IMPCGs could be a turning point, ensuring better care for women across the country and closing the gap in maternal health disparities.
Mental health is another critical focus. Depression and anxiety affect 1 in 3 pregnant or postpartum women in South Africa, with poverty and domestic violence exacerbating the problem.
Organisations like PMHP are integrating mental health services into maternity care, demonstrating the transformative power of holistic healthcare models.
Lasker Awards 2024: recognising pioneering medical research
The Lasker Awards, often referred to as "America’s Nobles", celebrate groundbreaking contributions to medical research. The 2024 winners include leaders whose work has profound implications for global health.
Zhijian “James” Chen was awarded the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for his discovery of the cGAS enzyme, which detects DNA from invading organisms or damaged cells and triggers the immune system.
This breakthrough is a cornerstone for therapies targeting infections, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Joel Habener, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, and Svetlana Mojsov received the Clinical Medical Research Award for developing GLP-1-based drugs which have revolutionised obesity treatment.
Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim were honoured for their extensive work in combating HIV/AIDS and advancing public health advocacy in Africa.
These achievements underscore the transformative power of research, highlighting how basic discoveries can ripple outward to create life-saving treatments and public health programs.
The future of immune system research
Among the most exciting areas of health research today is the study of the immune system.
Chen’s discovery of the cGAS enzyme is a prime example. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in recognizing foreign DNA in the cytoplasm, triggering an immune response that helps combat infections and cancer.
Chen’s work provides insight into how the body defends itself and opens new doors for therapies targeting autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer.
By better understanding the mechanisms of the immune system, researchers can develop treatments that are not only more effective but also more precise, targeting specific pathways without causing widespread side effects.