Department of Health makes a renewed call to end Tuberculosis (TB)

Karabo Ntanzi

World TB Day was observed globally on 25 March. The theme for 2026 is: “Yes! You and I Can End TB”. The Northern Cape Department of Health commemorated the day at West End Specialised Hospital, Kimberley, with MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi.

The Northern Cape is burdened by TB. Sixty-one thousand one hundred and sixty-five (61 165) individuals were tested during the 2024/25 financial year, 8217 results were positive for TB, a 4% decrease compared to 8568 in the previous year. While the Province recorded 301 drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), an increase of 20%, caused by diagnosed patients defaulting on their treatment or loss of follow-up (LTFU) in all districts.

The most affected municipalities with TB are Phokwane, Hantam, Siyathemba! Kheis and Khai-ma followed by Frances Baard with over 2 000 confirmed cases.

However, the Province is winning the battle compared to the national standards. The introduction of shorter regime treatment in 2024 has elevated the treatment rate from 60% to 78%, exceeding the national target of 75%.

This year’s commemoration supports the implementation of the National TB Recovery Plan 4.0 and End TB Campaign, aiming to test 5 million people annually for TB until March 2028. The Northern Cape is expected to test 129 232 to reach the target.

The focus areas include accelerated TB screening and testing, integrated healthcare services, strengthening communication, advocacy, and reinforcing partnerships with government, civil society, the mining sector, and communities.

The spotlight for the current year will include Joe Morolong Local Municipality, which recorded 9,6% death rate and a high LTFU of 14% and 40% treatment success rate in Umsobomvu (Norvalspont area).

MEC Vilakazi made a plea to all residents of the Province to play their part and end TB.”TB is preventable and curable. Ending this disease requires all of us as individuals, families, communities, and government to act together,” she said.

World TB Day was founded in 1852, following the discovery of the bacterium responsible for TB by Dr Robert Koch. More than a century later, TB is one of the most infectious diseases globally. Killing a multitude of people. South Africa is one of 30 countries responsible for 87% global TB burden.

In the effort of collecting data, the department is conducting outreach programs across all districts, including door-to-doors, pop up stalls, and mass testing in our facilities, through the 1.1 ‘Close the gap’ Leave No One Behind Campaign.