World TB Day event raises awareness
Cllr William Nkatha encourage community members to get tested and know their health statuses.
Community members and leaders, and health officials, gathered at Mbombela Stadium to mark World TB Day with a vibrant and informative awareness session aimed at fighting tuberculosis (TB) last Thursday, March 19. The event formed part of broader efforts across South Africa to raise awareness about TB, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. World TB Day is commemorated annually to educate communities about the impact of the disease and to encourage collective action to end it.
It was hosted by the City of Mbombela (CoM) and the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The CoM MMC for strategic services, Cllr William Nkatha, addressed the crowd, emphasising the importance of early detection and community involvement.
“This disease can be cured, and it all starts with us. Let’s get tested so that we can receive the required help and receive the right medication,” he said.
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Nkatha said the commemoration was aligned with the national theme encouraging individuals to take responsibility in the fight against TB, reinforcing the message that ‘everyone has a role to play’ in ending the epidemic.
Creative performances were used to communicate TB-related messages in an engaging and relatable way, particularly targeting young people. Attendees also participated in breakout group discussions that tackled critical issues surrounding TB.
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Topics included identifying missing TB cases early, reducing stigma in communities, encouraging men and young people to get tested, exploring the role of traditional leaders and healers in early detection, and how social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok can be used to spread TB awareness effectively.
In addition to discussions, the event also offered community health services, including screening and information desks, ensuring that attendees could access immediate support and guidance.
