Each year, we commemorate World TB Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic impact of tuberculosis (TB) and urge acceleration of efforts to end the global TB epidemic. Despite significant progress over the last decades, TB continues to be the leading cause of death in South Africa, claiming 56 000 per annum, more than half of which are people living with HIV (53%). It is also the most infectious killer worldwide, claiming over 1,5 million per year.
Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) poses a major health threat and could risk gains made in efforts to end TB. This can be mitigated through public awareness about the importance of screening, testing and finishing one’s treatment if infected.
South Africa will commemorate World TB Day under the theme, “Yes! You and I Can End TB” led by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), His Excellency Paul Mashatile. He will be accompanied by the Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum (CSF) Ms. Steve Letsike; the Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum (PSF) Ms. Nompumelelo Zikalala; the Minister of Health in South Africa Dr. Joe Phaahla and the Premier of the North West Province Hon. Bushy Maape. Event details are as follows:
Venue: Tlhabane Stadium, Tlhabane, Rustenburg, North West
Date: Friday, 24 March 2023
Time: 9h00
This year’s commemoration is quite significant since it will serve as the launchpad for South Africa’s fifth National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB and STIs for the period 2023-2028. Dubbed “The People’s NSP” the Plan provides a strategic framework on how the country should respond to the three epidemics over a five-year period.
