By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ahead of World TB Day on 24 March, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has issued a stern warning about the devastating impact of tuberculosis (TB).
The disease claims an estimated 56 000 lives a year, more than half (54%) of which are people living with HIV.
Motsoaledi said, his department plans to test five million people annually.
Speaking at the end of a TB workshop in Sandton, Motsoaledi said they will target families to reach their goals.
The Minister urged the public to work with the department as it tries to curb TB-related deaths, which are deemed unnecessary since the disease is curable.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1.25 million people died from TB in 2023.
Motsoaledi says billions of rand are spent to deal with TB and HIV in the country and at least R800 000 is needed to cure one person with extreme drug-resistant TB.
In most cases, the condition develops when a person doesn’t stick to their treatment plan; doesn’t take a full course of their treatment or take the wrong dosage.
While TB most commonly affects the lungs, research shows that it can also affect other organs, which include the lining covering the lungs, the central nervous system, bone and joints, lymph nodes, abdomen (liver, spleen and the intestines), kidney, bladder and blood.
Meanwhile the Department of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding symptoms of mpox, as three additional laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease have been identified in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
The newly confirmed cases include a 38-year-old man, who sought treatment at a healthcare facility due to symptoms of mpox.
The other two cases involve a 14-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman, both of whom have been in contact with the first patient.
“None of the patients have recent travel history to countries or regions currently experiencing an outbreak, which suggests there is ongoing local transmission of the virus in the country,” the department explained.
In addition, the department announced that all three new mpox patients also tested positive for a relatively unknown, but common virus known as herpes simplex virus (HSV).
“This is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers which mainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact including kissing and unprotected sex, hence consistent and correct use of condoms remains the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs [sexually transmitted infections].”
According to the department, the virus is generally asymptomatic, and treatable, but not curable.
The department believes that the recent cases highlight the necessity of rapid and well-coordinated contact tracing for early detection and effective management of positive cases.
The latest cases have increased the total number of positive cases from 28 to 31, since the outbreak began in May 2024. This total includes six cases recorded since the beginning of this year.