Every morning, when Nondumiso Ncanana puts on her nurse’s uniform, she knows she’s not just starting another shift—she’s stepping into the lives of individuals and families facing one of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges: Tuberculosis (TB).
As we mark International Nurses Day 2025, we honour the compassion, dedication, and strength of nurses—like Nondumiso Ncanana, who serves the Verulam community in eThekwini with unwavering care and commitment at the local clinic.
In her role with The Aurum Institute’s Global Fund programme, Nondumiso is not only delivering care—she’s driving prevention. Her work in Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT), especially for children under five, helps protect those most vulnerable and builds stronger, healthier communities from the ground up.
“We’ve lost too many children to TB because of late detection, that’s why I make prevention a priority.” she says.
Her day involves moving between the clinic and the community, identifying high-risk individuals, educating families, and ensuring that patients are supported with care and resources. She works closely with her team to conduct screenings, monitor treatment, and guide both patients and families through their health journey.
“Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. We always strive to give our best.” She mentioned.
Working in underserved communities comes with obstacles—limited resources, transport issues, and social barriers like stigma and poverty. Yet, Nondumiso continues to meet these challenges with compassion.
Nondumiso said that it’s about more than just the treatment. She supports people emotionally, links them to social services, and teaches them how to manage their condition.
She recalls an elderly woman who showed TB symptoms but couldn’t produce sputum. Determined to help, Nondumiso arranged an X-ray, worked with a doctor, and personally took the patient for the scan. The diagnosis was confirmed, and treatment began.
“Just a week later, she was improving. Her gratitude reminded me why I do this work.” She added.
To help nurses thrive, she advocates for continuous learning, mentorship, proper resources, and recognition.
Through her dedication, we’re reminded that true care is felt not only in treatment, but in the overall human connection.
