As part of governments’ intervention programme to catch up, restore and strengthen health services to reach thousands of TB patients missing-out on the life-saving treatment, the Northern Cape Provincial Government today held this year’s Provincial Tuberculosis (TB) Commemoration event in Wrenchville, to raise awareness on the disease and its devastating health and socio-economic effects. The event was held at Wrenchville Civic Centre in Wrenchville under the theme; “Yes! You and I can end TB.” Among those in attendance, includes; - JTG District Executive Mayor, Cllr Queen Mogatle;
Chairperson of SALGA, Cllr Michael Segede;
Mayor of Gasegonyana local Municipality, Cllr George Neo Masegela, Frances Baard District Mayor, Cllr Nondumiso Buda, Civil Society Chairperson, Mr Beau Nkaelang, Members of the Provincial Council on AIDS, Senior government officials including local residents. The annual TB incidence ( nee confirmed cases) in the Province illustrates an 11% increase between 2021 and 2022 with two districts, John Taolo Gaetsewe and Frances Baard recorded a decrease of 37% and 4%, respectively.
A noticeable fluctuation in the Drug Sensitive TB Case finding is observed over the past 5 years (2017 -2022) with the TB cases plateauing in the Province.
The Acting MEC of Health, Ms Nomandla Bloem during her remarks encouraged members of the community to adhere to their TB treatment, as it is 100% treatable.
The MEC also cautioned people who get tested for TB and start treatment, only to stop their treatment before the time is right. “These people are not only gambling with their own lives, but they are also putting the health of their friends and family at risk.”
With the influenza season approaching, MEC Bloem’s plea to community members is for them to apply the same infection control measures applied during the COVID pandemic (i.e cover your mouth when coughing, maintain social distance, wash or sanitise your hands). “TB and HIV patients are high risk for Influenza and COVID and they are encouraged to take both these vaccines which are free and available at all public health centres.” - MEC Bloem concluded.