Leaders call for united action at TB Caucus relaunch in Mpumalanga

The relaunch of the Mpumalanga Tuberculosis (TB) Caucus aimed to strengthen the fight against the illness and shine a light on the medical care workers who play a critical role in saving lives and restoring hope across the province.

Leading the relaunch at the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on Tuesday, May 12, Speaker Makhosazane Masilela said TB remains one of the leading causes of death, and the government calls for maximum collaboration among all stakeholders to end TB by 2030. She outlined the aims of the TB Caucus as accelerating progress through targeted actions at a provincial level.

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Dr Nkhensani Nkhwashu of the South African National Aids Council highlighted that TB Caucuses provide an important platform where public representatives in parliament and legislatures play a notable and influential role in the fight against TB in all provinces.

Mpumalanga Civil Safety Forum chairperson Sonto Nkosi applauded the timing of the relaunch and commended government departments, noting that TB treatment requires good nutrition and that poverty must be addressed as part of efforts to end TB.

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Deputy chairperson of the Mpumalanga Private Sector, Judith Makhubu, said the province has a high burden of TB infections, which negatively affects the mining and agricultural sectors. She noted that the private sector is already working to improve early detection and treatment, which has also improved workforce attendance.