Genetic counseling in South Africa: A growing profession.

The Genetic Counseling profession in South Africa (SA) was established 35 years ago when the first degree program was initiated at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1989. A second program was developed at the University of Cape Town in 2004. This article aims to describe the development of the profession in SA, with a focus on the last decade.

The global status of genetic counselors in 2023: What has changed in the past 5 years?

Purpose: The profession of genetic counselors has existed for over 50 years. This article provides an update on the global state of the genetic counseling (GC) profession in 2022 and 2023.

Methods: We used a survey approach to collect data from individuals who were identified as being leaders in GC practice and/or education around the world.

"We are just not sure what that means or if it's relevant": Uncertainty when gathering family history information in South African prenatal genetic counseling consultations.

Uncertainty impacts the process of health communication. The management and tolerance of uncertainty during healthcare discussions have gained renewed focus due to the growing challenge of obtaining and delivering complex health information, and the offer of health services in diverse contexts. Prenatal genetic counseling (GC) provides education, support and testing options for patients and couples facing a genetic or congenital diagnosis or risk during pregnancy.

Routine immunization experience and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic of caregivers attending a tertiary hospital in Cape Town.

Introduction: Immunizations are successful, cost-effective interventions for the control of infectious diseases and preventing mortality. Lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic had adverse effects on child-health including access to immunizations. Our study aimed to document immunization status, describe caregiver experiences around accessing immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify any significant factors associated with immunization status.