As March 24 is recognised as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, clinics and healthcare facilities across the metro took to their premises to remind residents that a delayed response to the curable disease can have serious health implications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!‘ is a call to action. It signals hope that the tide can still be turned on the epidemic.

At Kalafong Hospital, activities took place at the Pedestrian Entrance and Outpatient Clinics from 09:00–14:00 on March 25, where healthcare workers engaged with patients and the public about health education and awareness.

Staff and participants showed support by adhering to the dress code of red and black, symbolising solidarity in the fight against TB.

The Block TT Clinic and Eersterust Community Health Centre also ran community education activities focused on TB prevention, early detection, and treatment.

In a collaborative effort, KT Motubatse Clinic and multiple health stakeholders hosted a TB awareness and screening campaign at Marry Me Informal Settlement in Soshanguve.

They provided the community with access to TB screening and sputum collection, immunisation services, family planning resources, HIV/Aids testing, blood sugar screening, and high blood pressure screening.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a method of preventing HIV infection, was also available.

Jack Hindon Clinic hosted World TB Day in collaboration with Human Rights Awareness at Tshwane North Outreach on March 24. The clinic representatives presented information on TB, and voluntary testing for TB and HIV/Aids was available.

Tshwane District Health Services professional nurse Bianca Matlou said parents should read the Health Department’s Road to Health booklet, available throughout their facilities, to monitor TB signs in their children.

“Things like a cough, fever, and if there’s a loss in weight every visit to the clinic, that’s where we start cautioning that maybe there might be TB. If your child is also low in energy and you notice they aren’t as active as normal, perhaps it’s time to check for TB,” Matlou said.

Bianca said if you’re experiencing a persistent cough, you should visit your nearest healthcare facility for screening, regardless of the severity or duration. Early detection is vital, and prompt treatment protects both you and those around you.

“When you start coughing for any duration, it means you have TB. If you’re coughing persistently, and it isn’t stopping, go to the hospital.

“Fatigue is another symptom for adults, as well as drenching night sweats. Fever and unexplained weight loss as well,” Matlou added.

Dr Kgole highlighted that one of the most dangerous aspects of TB is how easily early symptoms are overlooked or mistaken for common respiratory illnesses.

The consequences of delayed TB treatment can lead to serious health risks, including severe lung damage. Untreated TB can destroy lung tissue, resulting in long-term breathing difficulties and reduced quality of life.

TB is contagious and can easily spread to family members, colleagues, and communities when not treated promptly.

It can also affect other organs, including the brain, spine, and kidneys, leading to life-threatening complications.

Delayed or incomplete treatment increases the risk of developing drug-resistant TB, which is significantly more difficult and costly to treat.

Advanced TB significantly raises the risk of death, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

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