World TB Day 2010
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
The official World Health Organization (WHO) World TB Day falls on the 24th of
March every year.
World TB Day is designed to build public awareness around the tuberculosis (TB)
epidemic which is rife in South Africa. This year’s official national
commemoration will be lead by the Deputy President, Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe
MP and take place at Sam Ntuli Stadium in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni. This will mark the
launch of the KICK TB 2010 campaign and there will be satellite events countrywide.
Background
South Africa ranks fifth on the list of 22 high-burden tuberculosis (TB) countries
in the world. While the Directly Observed Treatment Support (DOTS) strategy target
of a case detection rate of 70% has been met, the country still falls short of the
cure rate target of 85% and a treatment success rate of over 85%.
University Research Co.,LLC (URC) is working with the Department of Health
as part of the communication task team for TB. Billboards have been developed to
coincide with World TB Day March 24th 2010. These billboards will be erected
nationwide in priority areas identified by NDoH and in districts supported by the
USAID TB Project’s ACSM strategy. The messages have been developed in seven languages
namely Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana. They are
evidence informed and address issues that have emerged from district KAP studies and
the National Communication Survey (2009). URC will have an exhibition stand at the
national event on the 26th of March, focusing on TB infection control.
Quick Facts about TB
- TB testing and medication are offered free of charge
in South Africa
- TB is curable, even if you have HIV
- Anyone can get TB
How do I protect myself from getting TB?
- If you have been “in contact” with a person who has
active TB, for example if you live with, work with, travel
in the same vehicle (including public transport), or have
been in the same environment with someone with active TB
AND you have developed any symptoms of TB, it is strongly
advised that you go to the clinic to be tested for TB;
- If you are HIV-positive, avoid working in conditions
that expose you to TB germs such as health facilities
servicing TB patients;
- Ensure that you have daily adequate nutrition to
strengthen your body’s defences against TB.
|