Cape town: The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is set to deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event. The event will take place on Tuesday at Caledon Sports Grounds, Ian Toerin Way, Overberg District, Western Cape Province.
According to South African Government News Agency, South Africa continues to be significantly affected by Tuberculosis (TB), which is the leading cause of death in the country. The disease claims an estimated 56,000 lives annually, with more than half of these fatalities occurring among people living with HIV. World TB Day, observed each year on 24 March, aims to raise public awareness about the global TB epidemic and efforts to combat it.
The day's theme, 'Yes! You and I Can End TB,' calls on leaders and individuals alike to contribute to the national fight against TB. The 2026 commemoration seeks to bolster the National TB Strategic Plan by focusing on the End TB Campaign. This campaign aims to test five million people each year by enhancing testing services, integrating healthcare, and fostering community engagement.
Deputy President Mashatile will be joined by several prominent figures, including the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi; Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde; SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Solly Nduku; Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Mpumi Zikalala; and SANAC CEO, Dr. Thembi Xulu. Representatives from development partners, United Nations Agencies, research entities, civil society movements, and the private sector will also be present.