South Africa celebrated world Tb Day at the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) World TB Day commemoration in Tlhabane stadium, Rustenburg under the theme “Yes, you and I can end TB” which emphasizes the importance of being accountable as an individual and as part of a collective.
The launch of the fifth national strategic plan for HIV, TB, and STIs for the years 2023 to 2028 was headed by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who also serves as chair of SANAC. The plan has four strategic goals:
- Goal 1: To break down barriers to achieving HIV, TB and STIs solutions.
- Goal 2: To maximize equitable and equal access to HIV, TB and STIs services and solutions.
- Goal 3: To build resilient systems for HIV, TB and STIs that are integrated into systems for health, social protection, and pandemic response.
- Goal 4: To fully resource and sustain an efficient NSP led by revitalized, inclusive, and accountable institutions.
Mr. Kaobitsa Maape, Premier of the Northwest Province, was present at the event and made a point of educating young people about TB, including the value of having tested and following treatment recommendations.
“We need to bring awareness among the youth to further fight the spread of TB, that is our current struggle we need to continue to fight.”- Mr Kaobitsa Maape, Premier of the North West Province.#YesWeCanEndTB #WorldTBDay2023 pic.twitter.com/0m2iqZ5MpS
— The Aurum Institute (@Auruminstitute) March 24, 2023
United States Consul General, Mr. Vincent Spera discussed the pivotal collaboration with South Africa to eradicate TB by 2030 while enhancing care and results.
“We are partnering with South Africa on the pivotal clinical trials to improve treatment, TB related services and outcomes, together let’s unite to end TB in South Africa by 2030.”- Mr Vincent Spera, United States Consul General #YesWeCanEndTB pic.twitter.com/84YjBhjJTw
— The Aurum Institute (@Auruminstitute) March 24, 2023
Survivor voices are a potent tool for advocacy to speed up the TB response, Mr. David Macana, a TB survivor and NW Ambassador, called for more advocacy in the fight to end TB globally.
Mr David Macana a TB Survivor and Ambassador, is here today to share his testimony on surviving TB. He calls for more advocacy and joining of hands towards ending TB around the world. #WorldTBDay2023 #YesWeCanEndTB #StopTB #TBiscurable #EndTB pic.twitter.com/QgjberHRbL
— The Aurum Institute (@Auruminstitute) March 24, 2023
Aurum supported the event and provided TB screening and HIV testing and initiation of ART at the National Commemoration of World TB Day 2023.
