Johannesburg: Every year on 24 March, South Africa joins the global community in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, a day that calls for reflection and recommitment to ending one of the world's most severe, yet curable diseases. This year's theme, 'Yes! You and I Can End TB,' is a powerful reminder that ending TB is within our reach, if we act together and without delay.
According to South African Government News Agency, TB remains one of the most infectious and deadly diseases worldwide, and despite our hard-won progress, it continues to pose a serious public health challenge in South Africa. The country is among the 30 high burden nations that account for the majority of global TB cases, compounded by the challenge of TB/HIV co-infection and drug-resistant TB. These realities necessitate not only medical solutions but also strong leadership, social action, and commitment.
The human cost of TB is stark, with an estimated 56,000 South Africans losing their lives to TB every year, more than half of whom are also people living with HIV. These statistics represent families torn apart, communities weakened, and futures cut short. World TB Day reminds us that complacency is not an option, and that investments in prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support must be strengthened and sustained.
Through deliberate government action, strong partnership, and dedicated health workers across the country, efforts are being made to change the trajectory and bring renewed hope. South Africa has made significant and measurable progress in the fight against TB. Since 2015, TB incidences have been reduced by 61%, surpassing the World Health Organisation's target of a 50% reduction by 2025, with a 17% reduction in TB-related deaths since 2015.
Furthermore, the incidence rate for TB has dropped significantly from 988 per 100,000 people in 2015 to 389 per 100,000 in 2024, while treatment coverage has improved to 74%. These gains are tangible evidence that through collective action, we can transform the situation. The large antiretroviral programme has improved TB treatment outcomes and reduced mortality, while new and repurposed TB medicines have increased cure rates for drug-resistant TB.
More than 2,000 patients are already benefiting from a treatment called DR-TB (BPAL-L) regimen, a short, all-oral treatment used for drug-resistant tuberculosis taken over six months. These advances are guided by the TB Strategic Plan 2023-2028, aligned with the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs, providing a roadmap to expand equitable access to care and eliminate TB as a public health threat by 2030.
World TB Day is a call to everyone to take charge of their health and for collective action. Anyone with a persistent cough or who has been in contact with a person diagnosed with TB should undergo screening and testing. TB is curable; however, treatment must be started early and completed fully to prevent multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB.
Public health facilities across the country offer free services, including TB screening and testing, HIV counselling, and screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Utilising these services is both a personal responsibility and an act of solidarity with our communities. Equally important is the fight against stigma and discrimination. TB thrives in silence and fear, and we must uphold the human rights of people affected by TB to create environments where individuals feel safe to seek care without judgement.
As World TB Day 2026 is marked, acknowledging the progress made, there is recognition of the work that remains. Ending TB requires leadership at all levels, informed communities, resilient health systems, and the active participation of every citizen. Yes, you and I can end TB. The choice to act, care, and protect each other rests with all of us.