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2010-03-24:City on the move to kick TB out  


In an effort to improve skills and knowledge about debilitating diseases like tuberculosis (TB) in the City of Johannesburg communities, the City's health department has embarked on an extensive health awareness drive. 

As a build-up towards to the events around World TB day, 24 March 2010, the city has been conducting TB Imbizo’s in all seven regions during which community leaders are engaged in the challenges faced by the TB epidemic. This year’s theme is “ON THE MOVE TO KICK TB OUT!!!” During the “ON THE MOVE TO KICK TB OUT!!!” campaign learners at primary schools will be educated about TB and the value of wellness. Soccer balls will be donated to schools with TB messages printed on them. The launch of the school campaign will take place on the 26th March 2010 at the Sam Ntuli Stadium in Thokosa. 

A Shuttle van to the City’s seven regions as part of the awareness campaign, has been visiting a number of taxi ranks, clinics, hostels, informal settlements, shopping malls and other areas within the City of Johannesburg, the aim of the campaign is to make sure that everyone knows about TB and to provide people with critical information on tuberculosis and its treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious problem all over the world. TB causes more deaths in South Africa than any other infectious disease. During 2009, 22,583 new TB patients were diagnosed in the City of Johannesburg, of which 2,148 were children seven years and younger. TB is an infectious disease; it can be passed on from one person to another. 

TB is spread through the air when someone who has TB cough, spits or sneezes. TB testing and treatment is free at all government clinics. Persons who have been coughing for more than two weeks and is suffering from a loss of weight and night sweats should consider having a free TB test done. 

TB is totally curable.  Medication is given which must be taken every day of a week, for a period of six to eight months. It is essential for persons to complete a full course of TB treatment to be cured. 

In Johannesburg the medication prescribed is according to the National TB control rate and the City has achieved a cure rate 76% for two consecutive years. The cure rate of patients have improved from 54% in 2002 to 76% in 2008 because of the intensified focus by the City to trace those patients who interrupts their treatment before completion of the full course treatment that lasts for 6-8 months. Another challenge faced by the City’s health services is the mobility of the community.

 Many patients move to other areas before their cure can be documented. It is best for a TB patient to complete a full course of treatment at one health facility, to ensure that staff can adequately monitor the patient and detect any resistant strains of TB (Multi Drug Resistant TB) developing. Multidrug resistant TB is becoming a real challenge to the Health Services. Currently, 330 patients are being treated for Multidrug Resistant TB in the City.  


During the commemoration of World TB Day the plea to all is to join the fight against TB. Here are some suggestions as to what can be done:


Practice cough hygiene, place a tissue like paper in front of your mouth when coughing or sneezing or else cough or sneeze into your sleeve. This will not only contain the spread of TB but also common colds and flu. 
Avoid overcrowding and always open windows where-ever you are, in winter and summer, TB germs gets diluted in fresh air. 
Test for TB if you are coughing for more than two weeks or show symptoms of TB infection such as loss of weight and night sweats. The test is free and early diagnosis can improve your chances of getting cured. 
Also test for HIV. HIV positive persons get TB more easily because of their lowered resistance to diseases caused by the HIV. TB preventative medication is available at all health facilities in the City for persons living with HIV who has not contracted TB. 
Support patients on TB treatment, encourage them to complete their treatment and be cured. 



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For more information contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde                                        
Media Liaison Officer                                          
City of Johannesburg Health Department                             
Telephone: (011) 407 – 6477    
Cell: 083 408 7787                                     
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za​