TB Imbizo to discuss challenges

“The occasion will stress challenges that affect the TB Programme, thus making it difficult to reach the National and Provincial targets to strengthen commitment of all stakeholders in curbing the TB epidemic,” department spokesperson Zanele Mngadi said.

The theme for this year's World TB Day, which is commemorated annually on 24 March 2008, is “I am stopping TB”.

The two-day imbizo, which will kick off on 28 February, will also review the 2004 imbizo's progress on commitments made by all stakeholders.

Mngadi said TB was a leading cause of death among people who are HIV infected, with HIV being the major factor contributing to the increase in incidence of TB in Africa since 1990.

“It is estimated that 1.6 million deaths resulted from TB in 2005 in Sub-Sahara Africa, the epidemics of HIV and TB are often interlinked and both form a deadly combination, each speeding the other's progress,” said Mngadi.

She said a person who is HIV-positive and infected with TB virus is more likely to become sick with TB than someone infected with TB and tested HIV-negative.

The multi and extreme drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR and XDR TB) was on the other hand caused by inconsistent or partial treatment and when patients do not complete their medications regularly for the required period.

“The surfacing of XDR TB, especially in settings where TB patients are also HIV positive, poses a serious threat to TB control, and confirms the urgent need to strengthen basic TB control,” she said.

Tabling the provincial Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in 2007, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development Paul Mashatile announced that the department received a budgetary boost of R393.3 million to help deal with MDR and XDR TB.

TB is an infectious disease that spreads through the air just like an ordinary common cold.

When infected people cough, sneeze, talk or spit, the infectious TB virus called bacilli spreads into the air. Infection can occur even if a person inhales a small amount of air carrying these viruses.

On implementing the Apex Priorities, during the State of the Nation Address last week, President Thabo Mbeki said government will speed up its advance towards the achievement of the goal of health for all.

"We also aim during the course of this year to reduce TB defaulter rates from 10% to seven percent, train over 3,000 health personnel in the management of this disease and ensure that all multi-drug resistant and extreme drug resistant TB patients receive treatment,” the President said.

In 2007, the national Health Department increased the budget allocated for Non Governmental Organisations working in the field of HIV, AIDS and TB by R6 million.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews