By: Vusi Ka Mtfombeni

Efforts to curb the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Mpumalanga are gaining momentum, with renewed focus on strengthening interventions in high-burden communities across the province.

Provincial authorities, working alongside civil society organisations, recently marked the ongoing fight against TB and HIV/AIDS with initiatives aimed at improving access to treatment and reducing stigma.

Health challenges remain significant in parts of the province, with some areas continuing to record high numbers of TB infections. In response, mobile clinics have been introduced to reach underserved communities, while awareness campaigns are being rolled out to encourage early testing and reduce discrimination against those living with the diseases.

Officials say improving access to healthcare services is key to reducing infection rates, particularly in communities where distance and stigma often delay diagnosis and treatment. 

Speaking during the commemoration, MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Speedy Mashilo, stressed the importance of patients completing their TB treatment.

“TB is curable, but only if patients take their medication as prescribed and without interruption,” he said.

Traditional health practitioners also weighed in, acknowledging that some patients first seek help from them. They emphasised the importance of referring suspected TB cases to clinics for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Civil society groups have welcomed the increased collaboration, saying a united approach is necessary to tackle both TB and HIV, which continue to place pressure on families and the healthcare system.