Gamalakhe Township: Despite progress in combating tuberculosis (TB), Deputy President Paul Mashatile has raised alarms over South Africa’s ongoing struggle with one of the world’s highest TB burdens. South Africa is among the 30 countries that account for 87% of the global TB burden, underscoring that TB is both preventable and curable, including for individuals living with HIV. The Deputy President has urged immediate measures to fight this infectious disease, which claims thousands of South African lives each year.
According to South African Government News Agency, the nation commemorated World TB Day on Monday, emphasizing the urgency to eradicate TB domestically and globally. “Today, we join the global community to commemorate World TB Day. We unite as a nation with a shared purpose to end tuberculosis,” Deputy President Mashatile stated. He addressed attendees as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) during the national World TB Day event in Gamalakhe Township, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal.
In 2023, approximately 270,000 South Africans were diagnosed with TB, resulting in 56,000 deaths, equating to 153 fatalities daily. The Deputy President highlighted that this day serves as a reminder of the persistent stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with HIV and TB. Two years ago, SANAC initiated the development of Human Rights Charters to protect the rights of key populations affected by TB and HIV. Despite some progress, Deputy President Mashatile noted that some provinces have yet to launch their charters, emphasizing the importance of actively addressing stigma.
“TB is not merely a medical issue; it is a human rights issue. Every person, regardless of their background, deserves access to life-saving treatment,” he asserted. Alarmingly, about 58,000 people with TB in South Africa remain undiagnosed. “These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters – people who deserve care and dignity. We must reach them,” he urged. The government is committed to maximizing efforts to combat TB through four key objectives: raising awareness, promoting access to care, advocating for research and innovation, and strengthening partnerships.
Through these initiatives, the Deputy President hopes the government can enhance treatment success, connect diagnosed patients with necessary care, and reduce stigma and discrimination within communities. He stressed that collective action and commitment are crucial in the fight against this preventable and treatable disease. The government also launched the End TB campaign, aiming to test five million people by the end of March next year and annually thereafter, which is expected to result in a 29% reduction in TB incidence and a 41% reduction in TB mortality by 2035.
Under SANAC’s coordination, the Deputy President announced a mass mobilization drive to rally all South Africans behind the End TB initiative, collaborating with community leaders, traditional healers, and media platforms to spread the message that TB is preventable, treatable, and curable.