Take charge of TB

TODAY is World TB Day – and according to World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, TB remains a serious problem. WHO figures for 2015 indicate that 10.4 million people across the globe contracted the disease. Of this number, 1.8 million died, including 400 000 who also had HIV.

About a third of the world’s population has a latent form of the disease, the WHO says. This means their bodies have been infected with the TB bacteria, but they have not yet become ill. Those infected have a 10% risk throughout their lives of falling ill with TB. People with compromised immune systems – for example, those with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes – are more at risk.

Sadly, South Africa has one of the highest incidences in the world. WHO statistics indicate that about 1% of our country’s 54 million population develop active TB every year.

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone who breathes can contract the disease – and it can be cured. In fact, two of South Africa’s most towering figures – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu – developed TB. Both were treated and lived healthy lives. But there is a problem. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African National Aids Council chairperson, said in a World TB Day message: “Many people wait until they are very ill before they seek healthcare. I call on all South Africans to be aware of the symptoms of TB and urgently seek care if they have symptoms.”

Symptoms include a fever, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats or a persistent cough.

Ramaphosa called on religious institutions such as churches, mosques and synagogues to include messages about TB and its symptoms in their sermons. He called on civil society organisations to recognise the important role they could play in eliminating the disease.

We would like to echo Ramaphosa’s call. If you suspect you have TB symptoms or know of someone who has, ensure you consult a doctor immediately.