TUBERCULOSIS (TB) stigma and failure not to complete treatment are the main causes that make people vulnerable to drug-resistant TB, which is more difficult to treat and life-threatening.
The South African National Aids Council (SANAC) said its latest survey found that there are many people infected with TB but not receiving treatment.
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SANAC CEO Dr Thembisile Xulu said: “All these contribute to TB being the leading cause of deaths. It leaves them vulnerable to severe illness and death. They also continue the cycle of infection.”
TB claims an average of 56 000 lives a year (53% of whom are people living with HIV). Eastern Cape, KZN and the Western Cape have the highest numbers, with Limpopo and Gauteng having the lowest.
According to SANAC, TB thrives in mining communities, so districts with mines tend to have more people. Xulu said there was evidence that people were fairly knowledgeable about TB, but there is a need to focus on the areas of testing, treatment adherence, and retention in treatment.
“Stigma and discrimination are also issues to tackle. The newly launched NSP identifies social behaviour change communication as one of the key interventions required to successfully eliminate HIV & TB as public health threats. SANAC will focus on strengthening this intervention among other efforts.” she said.
Xulu said the TB programme was interrupted during Covid-19 pandemic, but SANAC convened key stakeholders for a roundtable discussion on how to revive the programme without jeopardising gains made over the years.
She said this led to the development of the national HIV and TB catch-Up plans and then the national TB recovery plan to mitigate the disruptions caused by Covid-19.
"These plans are being implemented and indications are that the TB programme is gaining momentum in all provinces," she said.
Xulu said it was important for the public to know that TB is curable, even if one is living with HIV.
