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Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the national strategic plan to address both HIV and TB has led to a decrease in TB infections through a large antiretroviral programme drive.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Thursday, Phaahla said following the negative impact of Covid-19, South Africa developed a TB recovery plan through involvement by all stakeholders, particularly civil society.
The minister said:
According to the health ministry, the South African TB recovery plan reflected on its commitment to leaving no one behind. South Africa moved from the symptom-based approach for TB testing to testing, regardless of symptoms among high-risk groups.
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Added Phaahla:
Phaahla said TB remained a pressing concern for South Africa, as it did for many nations. He mentioned approximately 300 000 people contracted TB every year in South Africa.
“Last year, we managed to notify and put 224 000 people on TB treatment.”
The minister said the department also managed to find and treat 75 694 children with TB against a target of 95 500 (79% achievement). He added that South Africa had been at the forefront of introducing and scaling up new tools for diagnosis and shorter treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.
However, he also stressed that there was a need to do more to improve linkage to care and retention in care.
He explained:
Phaahla said recent progress in TB vaccine development offered a glimmer of hope: “We stand prepared to implement TB vaccines when they become available. We are participating in the TB vaccine trials. Addressing the social determinants of TB – poverty, gender inequality and lack of access to education.”
Phaahla stated that South Africa remained unwavering in its commitment to defeating TB: “Our journey is one of progress, challenges, and partnerships.
“As we reflect on the steps we have taken, we recognise that we cannot overcome this global challenge in isolation. Our collective efforts must transcend borders, ideologies and individual interests.
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“Let us use this high-level meeting as an opportunity to reinvigorate our commitment to pledge our resources and to redouble our efforts. A world without TB is not just an aspiration but an attainable reality, and we stand ready to play our part in making that vision a shared triumph.”
