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Policy Briefs

Eliminating HIV stigma in healthcare: evidence from the PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0
Public Health, Societies and Belonging
Research Impact Division
2026
D. Moeketse, S. Sinyolo, L. Makola, R. Makgalemane, L. Maja, T. Radebe, G. Lepono, M. Zanani, T. Mhlanga, T. Maluka, P. Makhuba, G. Maseko, I. Ramontsha, S. Makhoba, S. Chamane, A. Nghonyama, K. Mabasa, P. Ramothwala, S. Dlamini, M. Ntshangase, M. Manganye, G. Shabangu, S. Jooste, M. Mabaso, N. Zungu, K. Zuma
Moeketse, D., Sinyolo, S., Makola, L., Makgalemane, R., Maja, L., Radebe, T., Lepono, G., Zanani, M., Mhlanga, T., Maluka, T., Makhuba, P., Maseko, G., Ramontsha, I., Makhoba, S., Chamane, S., Nghonyama, A., Mabasa, K., Ramothwala, P., Dlamini, S., Ntshangase, M., Manganye, M., Shabangu, G., Jooste, S., Mabaso, M., Zungu, N. & Zuma, K. (2026) Eliminating HIV stigma in healthcare: evidence from the PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0. (HSRC Policy Brief, February).
This policy brief presents evidence from the 2024 PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 on the prevalence of healthcare provider HIV-related stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV and key populations when accessing healthcare in South Africa. The findings aim to inform advocacy and policy measures that tackle these issues, fostering…
Accelerating water-smart innovation for sustainable agriculture and food security in South Africa
Research, Development, Science and Innovation
2026
Y. Buchana, D. Whisgary
Buchana, Y. & Whisgary, D. (2026) Accelerating water-smart innovation for sustainable agriculture and food security in South Africa. (HSRC Policy Brief, January).
South African agriculture faces intensifying water constraints, with the sector accounting for approximately 63% of national water withdrawals in a context where nearly all available water resources are already allocated. While national policy frameworks consistently recognize innovation as critical to sustainable water use, a…
Mapping potential in the informal sector: profiling innovation capabilities for â??smarterâ?? policy
Research, Development, Science and Innovation
2026
I. Petersen, G. Kruss, N. Mustapha, N. Van Rheede
Petersen, I., Kruss, G., Mustapha, N. & Van Rheede, N. (2026) Mapping potential in the informal sector: profiling innovation capabilities for â??smarterâ?? policy. (HSRC Policy Brief, January ).
While many businesses in the informal sector are survivalist and micro enterprises, there is some heterogeneity…
Actionable strategies to scale up the triage practices of midwives in the maternity units of South Africa
Developmental, Capable and Ethical State
2026
M.W. Ngwenya, L. Muthelo, M.M. Rasweswe, T.M. Mothiba, M. Makoae
Ngwenya, M.W., Muthelo, L., Rasweswe, M.M., Mothiba, T.M. & Makoae, M. (2026) Actionable strategies to scale up the triage practices of midwives in the maternity units of South Africa. (HSRC Policy Brief, January).
South Africa (SA) lacks a standard triage system in hospital maternity units. The triage system is a process of prioritizing maternal patients based on the severity of their condition when they enter a health care system. It provides procedures for deciding on immediacy of treatment as efficiently as possible in the shortest…
Is disaster risk reduction (DRR) communication lost in translation in the South African Development Community (SADC) region?
Developmental, Capable and Ethical State
Office of the COO
Research Impact Division
Africa, BRICS and the Global South
2026
N. Mkwanazi, W. Lunga, N. Ubisi, Q. Dlamini, S. Hlatshwayo, N.P. Tshiwalule, S. Dlamini
Mkwanazi, N., Lunga, W., Ubisi, N., Dlamini, Q., Hlatshwayo, S., Tshiwalule, N.P. & Dlamini, S. (2026) Is disaster risk reduction (DRR) communication lost in translation in the South African Development Community (SADC) region?. (HSRC Policy Brief, February).
Climate-induced disasters in the South African Development Community (SADC) are intensifying, but communication gaps between disaster information systems and at-risk communities are undermining preparedness and response effectiveness. Promising solutions exist, integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with modern early…
Advancing global health equity in 2025 and beyond: opportunities for BRICS+ countries
Public Health, Societies and Belonging
2025
S. Moyo
Moyo, S. (2025) Advancing global health equity in 2025 and beyond: opportunities for BRICS+ countries. (BRICS Academic Review Policy Brief, December).
Establishing a BRICS Health Fund can be a source of reserved financial support for priority health areas identified by the BRICS+ countries. These areas can include preventable diseases like tuberculosis (TB), NTDs, and other priority health issues that have historically been underfunded or overlooked. The Fund should focus …
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