Personal Health Pathways helps women take earlier preventive health action
New Discovery Health data published as Women's Month ends shows strong female engagement with personalised health actions, screening and day-to-day healthcare support.
Topics: Medical research
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New Discovery Health report shows mortality declines by 5.6% over the past decade as earlier intervention and behaviour change improve outcomes
The HealthTrend26 Report by Discovery Health is based on more than 60 million life-years of clinical, lifestyle and behavioural data from Discovery Health Medical Scheme, covering over 2.7 million members. Over the past decade, mortality has declined by 5.6%, reflecting deliberate action through earlier diagnosis, better treatment and sustained behaviour change.
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Sleep has a “PR problem” and it’s costing us our health
Johannesburg, 3 June 2026 - Discovery has welcomed world-renowned sleep scientist Professor Matthew Walker to South Africa, where he delivered a compelling call to reframe sleep as a critical driver of health, performance and longevity. His visit comes at a time when sleep is increasingly emerging as a defining health issue of modern life and coincides with the successful launch of Vitality Sleep
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Discovery Health Medical Scheme reports cancer diagnoses rise 3.8% in a year: More cancers are being detected at earlier stages, and Personal Health Pathways is boosting cancer screening rates
Disclaimers
This press statement is issued by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and accredited administrator of medical schemes, on behalf of Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number 1125, which it administers. Personal Health Pathways is brought to Discovery Health Medical Scheme members by Discovery H -
Thirteen years of Discovery Health Medical Scheme data show HIV mortality rates almost halved (down 47%) through sustained treatment and globally award-winning care
Key messages:
HIV-related mortality among DHMS members has almost halved (down 47%) over 13 years, driven by sustained ART adherence, personalised data-driven care, and the strength of Discovery’s HIV Care Programme. Members living with HIV are living significantly longer, with the average age at death rising by eight years and mortality rates for virally undetect -
46% increase in mental health condition prevalence since 2012, among Discovery Health Medical Scheme members
Johannesburg, 28 October 2025 – New research reveals a sharp rise in mental-health condition prevalence among Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s (DHMS) members over the past 13 years. In 2024, one in seven DHMS members (15% of the overall Scheme population) registered or claimed for a mental health condition – up from one in ten (10%) in 2012 - equivalent to a 46% increase in prevalence over time.
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Prioritising sleep can reverse health risks and extend life, according to Discovery’s analysis of 47 million sleep records
Discovery releases landmark research showing how poor sleep quality and quantity undermine physical and mental health, and safety on the roads - while also showing that better sleep can reverse these risks.
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New Discovery Vitality research: Regular exercise preceding cancer diagnosis linked to lower likelihood of cancer progression and death
Johannesburg, January 29, 2025– Engaging in regular physical activity before a cancer diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of cancer progression and mortality, according to new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study, conducted by Discovery Vitality in partnership with researchers from Wits University and the University of Western Ontario, highlights the crit
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Buying healthier food reduces the likelihood of becoming obese by 13%, Vitality research shows; Vitality enhances HealthyFood rewards
Johannesburg, September 1, 2024- Discovery Vitality’s latest research shows that regularly purchasing healthy food can lead to a 13% reduction in the risk of becoming obese.
“Purchasing behaviours have a profound influence on our dietary habits, which are linked to dietary risk factors that contribute to over 7 million deaths globally per year. Our latest research underscores the health risks -
Will South Africa experience a third wave of COVID-19 infection? If so, when and how severely?
There is concern that Easter-break related social events - from religious to family gatherings and travel to busy holiday destinations - will fuel COVID-19 super-spreader events and catalyse a third wave of COVID-19 infection. Discovery Health CEO Ryan Noach explains how our personal behaviour, and that of the people around us, will be a large determinant of which scenario our country experiences.
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Discovery Vitality launches Vitality mental wellbeing module and rewards; partners with Miss South Africa on awareness campaign
Discovery Vitality is excited to announce the introduction of the mental wellbeing module to Vitality. Members can now track their mindful minutes and sleep goals on partner apps, including Headspace, Calm, The Mindfulness App and buddhify, in the Vitality Active Rewards platform. Members will be rewarded with Discovery Miles for taking proactive steps towards their mental health and wellbeing.
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2021 will see cutting-edge digital technology boost Discovery Health’s Diabetes Care Programme
In 2020 the COVID-19 global healthcare crisis has put the spotlight on people who live with diabetes. They are considered at risk of severe illness should they contract COVID-19 – particularly where the condition is poorly managed.
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Discovery data insights show that up to 16 000 South African lives will have been saved from COVID 19 related deaths, by 2021 as a result of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19
Discovery presents new insights into the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa and globally and investigates dynamic interventions that have saved lives and that have helped the country to navigate the peaks of the pandemic.
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Discovery shares its latest COVID-19 research on outcomes specific to SA
Discovery presents insights on the financial impact of COVID-19 on medical schemes in South Africa, and a COVID-19 Resilience Index outlining the relative risk of being hospitalised due to COVID-19.
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Scholarships and grants worth R27 million awarded to medical specialists and institutions for education and training
Now in its thirteenth year, Discovery is pleased to announce the 42 recipients of its 2019 Foundation Awards, providing doctors and institutions with support for the development of critical solutions for under-resourced and rural areas.
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Discovery Health releases key trends in birth rates as well as the costs associated with pregnancy, birth and new babies
The latest Discovery Health Healthcare Claims Tracker focuses on maternity claims, quantifying the spend by Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS, or the Scheme) on maternity related claims and highlighting key trends amongst members. The report includes data based on all claims within South Africa’s largest, open medical scheme, DHMS, with a membership of 2.8 million lives as of end 2018.
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Patients rate South Africa’s Top 20 hospitals for 2018
Now in its fifth year of reporting, Discovery Health is pleased to release its annual list of 20 leading South African hospitals as rated by patients through the Patient Survey Score (PaSS). The Top 20 list is based on aggregated surveys completed by members of medical schemes administered by Discovery Health rating their in-hospital experience across various aspects of care.
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Chad le Clos documentary, Unbelievable, puts trends in cancer occurrence, cost and care under spotlight
Dr Jonathan Broomberg, CEO of Discovery Health, talked statistics, costs and the future of cancer care.
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Discovery Health Journalism Awards - FAQ
Working on your Discovery Health Journalism Awards entry? Unsure of some of the rules? Here’s some FAQs to help you out.
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Discovery Health Journalism Awards introduces a brand new award!
Our brand new award category, the Discovery Foundation Nation-builder Award, aims to acknowledge the positive coverage of work done by healthcare professionals or organisations in the public healthcare sector.
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