The Mpumalanga department of health, under the leadership of MEC Mr Gillion Mashego hosted a dialogue on TB.
The dialogue on TB was held at the TB Specialised Hospital on Friday, March 24.
The provincial dialogue on Tuberculosis (TB) was hosted as part of the 2017 World TB Day commemoration. The department hosted the Provincial Dialogue on TB to mobilise leaders from all sectors of the society (including politicians, business, and religious and civil society leaders) to play a more meaningful role in the provincial response to the TB epidemic. During the dialogue leaders interacted with TB patients and healthcare workers on challenges they face and also solicit their views on how best to strengthen the provincial response to the TB epidemic. The dialogue was being held under the theme of the 2017 World TB Day which is “Unite to end TB and HIV: South African Leaders Taking Action.”
Ms Rebecca Shingange gave a brief overview about the purpose of the day and said as long as we breathe and are alive; one is vulnerable to TB and HIV. She encouraged community members to put their hands together to stop the spread of TB and HIV. Shingange also presented a brief historical background about TB, its drugs, treatment and how the department has worked so much to stop TB.
A TB ambassador Ms Sibongile Ncongwane gave her testimony on how she was supported by family members and health workers. She said she contracted multi-drug resistance (MDR) TB and followed treatment until the end. She encouraged other patients follow suit to get healed.
Ms Idah Makwetla representing the MEC acknowledged all the role players in the fight against TB including traditional healers. She encouraged leaders to follow in the footsteps of O.R. Tambo whose legacy was celebrated.Makwetla also reminded the people that the TB Specialised Hospital is a centre of excellence and was committed to finally eliminate TB. She further praised the health workers in the door to door campaigns even though they face challenges.
“We will continue with our door to door campaigns of screening and tracing defaulters and to give support to our outreach teams. We need to give more information about TB and that TB is a curable disease. TB and HIV are like cousins and treatment is key. Information is power, lets all join hands to fight TB,” added Ms Makwetla.
Nkangala District Mayor Cllr Linah Malatjie thanked all the participants during the dialogue on TB.
Read also:
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/64566/tb-day-commemorated/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/8075/march-world-tb-month/
