This announcement aligns with global efforts to end the disease, highlighting SA’s commitment to tackling the growing health crisis.

The theme for this year’s World TB Day, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” underscores the importance of continued global cooperation and action. SA, which faces one of the highest TB burdens in the world, reports an incidence rate of 468 cases per 100 000 people. In 2022 alone, around 54 000 deaths were attributed to TB in the country.

The Department of Health is urging all citizens to participate in TB testing, highlighting that this could potentially reduce TB cases by 29%. Early detection and effective treatment are seen as crucial in breaking the transmission cycle and saving lives.

In light of these efforts, health authorities continue to call for increased resources to fight TB, aiming to reduce its devastating impact on communities. The government remains committed to expanding prevention and treatment initiatives, as well as ensuring that the fight against TB remains a priority in national health policies.

-ChannelAfrica--