As the world faces ongoing public health challenges, World TB Day (24 March) serves as a reminder that tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” calls for urgent action and accountability. Governments, NGOs, and communities must unite to tackle TB, especially as healthcare systems remain under strain.
In the Western Cape, TB has been the leading cause of death for over a decade. Fortunately, effective vaccines, testing, and treatments are available at public healthcare facilities. However, success depends on sustained investment and patient-centred care.
TB Recovery Plan
The Western Cape TB Recovery Plan (2024–2028) aligns with the National TB Strategy and prioritises early detection, improved treatment support, prevention, and data-driven healthcare delivery.
The provincial minister of health and wellness, Mireille Wenger, emphasised the province’s role in addressing TB.
“The TB Recovery Plan builds on our progress in identifying, treating, and managing TB. The Covid-19 pandemic slowed us down, but we have regained ground. Our goal is to reduce TB incidence by 90% and mortality by 95% by 2035. Achieving this requires targeted efforts, early diagnosis, and seamless patient care. Collaboration with civil society, NGOs, and stakeholders is key to increasing our impact.”
Premier Alan Winde, chair of the Provincial Council on AIDS and Tuberculosis, urged TB patients to complete their treatment.
“We face significant healthcare challenges, but through a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, we can overcome them. This World TB Day, let’s renew our commitment to fighting TB together.”
Despite progress, the provincial health department and wellness remains concerned about TB-related deaths. Between 2019 and 2023, altogether 181 157 patients started treatment, with a 77,9% success rate as of March 2023. The success rate for multidrug-resistant TB is 52%, while the TB death rate stands at 3,9% for drug-sensitive TB and 13% for drug-resistant TB. Additionally, many patients (19,3% for drug-sensitive TB and 25% for drug-resistant TB) are lost to follow-up, highlighting the need for stronger intervention.
Common TB symptoms include:
Persistent or unexplained cough;
•Bloody sputum;
•Chest pain when coughing or breathing;
•Weight loss/loss of appetite;
•Poor growth in children;
•Malaise or fever and
•Night sweats.
Testing is free at all public healthcare clinics, even for those without symptoms. Early diagnosis, staying on treatment, and encouraging family members to do the same are crucial to controlling TB’s spread.
