By: Nomatshawe Bangani
Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said people living with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, working in mines, in correctional services facilities and living in informal settlements are most vulnerable in contracting TB.
Motsoaledi was speaking at the World TB Day commemoration event aimed at uniting people in the fight against TB, which was held at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, in Mdantsane yesterday.
The Minister said South Africa has the highest number of people living with TB. He said to succeed in the fight against TB people should regularly go for screening, testing and completing their treatment in order to achieve the vision to have a TB free South Africa by year 2030
“Even though there are people who are specifically vulnerable in contracting TB, anyone of us can can get it. It is important that when you go to a hospital or clinic for whatever reason to ask the nurses to screen you for TB, as the disease is widespread.”
Eastern Cape Premier Phumullo Masualle said since the beginning of March the Department of Health across the province embarked on a TB campaign where people got the opportunity to be screened, tested and introduced into treatment.
“In the 28 days of the campaign, 97 000 people got screened for TB, 6 500 of them showed symptoms and 375 were confirmed with TB.”
Masualle said it has been proven that TB can be treated and people are able to live healthy lives after treatment.
TB ambassador Dr Zolelwa Sifumba said she contracted TB as a medical student while doing training at the hospital. She said contracting the disease made her realise that no-one is immune from the disease.
Sifumba commended the health department for having such commemoration events as she said they are important in mobilising and educating communities about TB.