Gauteng Health
By Lerato Mpembe
The Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature has reaffirmed its commitment to holding health authorities accountable for the effective implementation of tuberculosis (TB) control measures. These measures encompass early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and heightened public awareness. This announcement coincides with South Africa’s observance of World TB Day on 24 March 2025, a day dedicated to highlighting the urgency of eradicating TB, the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
Ezra Letsoalo, the committee’s spokesperson, emphasized the collective responsibility in combating TB:
“The committee urges Gauteng residents to take responsibility for their health by seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms and completing their prescribed TB treatment. Ending TB requires a collective effort from all sectors, including communities, to eliminate the disease and improve public health outcomes.”
Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a contagious infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Jean-Louis Abena, Technical Officer for Tuberculosis at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, sheds light on the current TB landscape:
“TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social, and economic consequences. This year’s theme, ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,’ is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.” 
Personal Testimonies: The Human Face of TB
Personal stories highlight the profound impact of TB on individuals and communities. Busisiwe Beko, a TB survivor, shares her journey:
“The stigma associated with TB often isolates patients, discouraging them from seeking care. Families of TB patients also suffer financially, as caregiving responsibilities disrupt income-generating activities. From our work in the community, we see how poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowded living conditions create a vicious cycle, making TB both a cause and a consequence of socio-economic inequality.” 
South Africa’s TB Burden and Response
South Africa remains among the countries hardest hit by TB, with the disease being the leading cause of death, claiming approximately 56,000 lives annually. Notably, more than half (54%) of these deaths occur among people living with HIV. 
In response to this crisis, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event. He will also launch the National End TB Campaign at the Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe Township, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal.  
The National End TB Campaign
The National End TB Campaign aims to substantially reduce TB incidence and mortality in South Africa by 2035. The campaign’s initial phase focuses on Case Finding and Linkage to Care in the 2025/2026 period. It seeks to diagnose 250,000 new TB cases by implementing Accelerated Targeted Universal TB Testing (TUTT) to reach people living with HIV and household contacts of confirmed TB cases.   
Gauteng’s Legislative Oversight
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness, led by Chairperson Hon. B E Letsoalo, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the province’s health initiatives. The committee has been proactive in addressing critical challenges within the healthcare system, including staffing shortages and infrastructure issues. Recognizing that some constraints stem from broader systemic issues, the committee plans to engage with the provincial Treasury and the Office of the Premier to explore sustainable solutions that prioritize healthcare workforce needs.  
Community Involvement: A Cornerstone in TB Eradication
Community engagement is vital in the fight against TB. The committee encourages residents to participate actively in public awareness campaigns, seek medical attention promptly upon noticing symptoms, and adhere strictly to prescribed treatment regimens. Such collective efforts can significantly reduce TB transmission rates and improve health outcomes across the province.
Addressing Stigma and Enhancing Treatment Access
Stigma remains a formidable barrier to TB diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Jean-Louis Abena emphasizes the need for increased political commitment, funding, and expanded access to TB services. He states, “We must invest in stronger healthcare systems, ensure equitable access to treatment, and break the barriers of stigma and neglect that have allowed TB to persist for far too long.”
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