By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event at Caledon Sports Grounds, Overberg District, Western Cape Province.
World TB Day is commemorated each year on March 24, to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and profile efforts to eliminate the disease. This day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB.
South Africa remains one of the hardest hit countries by TB, which has remained the leading cause of death claiming an estimated 56 000 lives a year, more than half (54%) of which are people living with HIV.
This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is ‘Yes! You and I Can End TB’, a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies, as well as to encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB.
Mashatile highlighted the importance of personal responsibility, shared purpose, and a whole-of-society approach to fighting TB.
He outlined progress in the fight against TB, including a 61 percent reduction in the TB incidence rate since 2015 and a 79 percent treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB patients, but warned that gaps remain.
“The proportion of estimated TB cases successfully placed on treatment has dipped from 79 percent to 74 percent this past year. This is not a statistic to ignore; it is a call to action. It tells us that we must double our efforts, close the gap, and ensure that every person who needs care receives it promptly,” he said.
Mashatile urged citizens, particularly men — who account for many undiagnosed cases — to get tested and seek treatment promptly, stressing the role of families and communities in supporting patients and ensuring adherence.
He also announced plans to launch a pilot project for near-point-of-care TB diagnostic tests by July 2026 to bring testing closer to communities.
“I am particularly pleased to announce that, following the new WHO guidance, South Africa is going to launch its pilot project for near-point-of-care diagnostic tests by July 2026.”
“This essential step will move high-quality testing out of centralised labs and closer to the communities where our people live and work, supporting our drive towards universal health coverage.”
He said civil society and communities carry a crucial responsibility in responding to TB and HIV by raising awareness, reducing stigma, advocating for policy change, and amplifying the voices of those affected.
The government aims to test five million people annually under its national TB plan and End TB Campaign, with expanded testing and community engagement.