The CoE joins the world in intensifying awareness about TB treatment and care to mark March as Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness Month.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SA is on the three global lists of high-burden countries for TB, HIV-associated TB, and drug-resistant TB.
Through its outreach and health promotion, the city has achieved a 90% TB treatment success rate in the latest reporting period from October 2021 to September 2022.
While the city has met the national target of a 90% TB treatment success rate, the head of the Health Department, Dr Gilbert Motlatla, reiterates the wish to end TB and achieve what is advocated through this year’s theme of ‘Yes! We can end TB!’
“TB is preventable and curable, and we strongly believe we can end it when everyone is involved. We encourage patients to seek medical advice when presenting any common TB symptoms. Those who have been diagnosed should be assured that our dedicated teams will walk the journey to health with them,” said Motlatla.
Common TB symptoms include:
• Excessive and unexplained fatigue;
• Unintended and evident weight loss;
• Drenching night sweats;
• Consistent cough;
• Chest pains and, at times, coughing blood.
Residents with any of the above symptoms are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic for medical intervention.
