Tuberculosis (TB) is preventable, curable and treatable, yet it continues to affect thousands of people across the Western Cape and the country every year. This World TB Day, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness calls on all people to take action under the national theme: “Yes! You and I can End TB.”

Ending TB is not only the work of health services, but also something communities do together, through early testing, completing treatment and supporting one another to live well. This collaborative approach is embodied by frontline healthcare workers like Sister Carmen Damons, operational manager nursing at Macassar Community Day Centre, who emphasises the shared responsibility in fighting TB.

“As nurses, we are here to support every patient through their journey, providing care, guidance and encouragement. We encourage everyone to go for testing and to complete treatment, because together, we can end TB,” says Damons.

Her words reflect the dedication of healthcare workers across the district who work every day to support patients with TB, offering care, guidance and encouragement throughout their treatment journey.

Statistics underscore urgency

Between 1 April 2025 and 28 February 2026, at least 48 388 people were diagnosed with TB in the province, of which 57% were men. Approximately 46.2% of those diagnosed with TB were in the 25 to 44-year age category.

Health department records indicate that only 90% of those diagnosed with TB during this period started treatment, despite treatment being free and effective. Delaying treatment risks spreading TB to family and loved ones and places individual health at risk. The department encourages people to visit their nearest clinic for support, emphasising that healthcare workers are there to walk the journey with patients.

Clinics across the province offer integrated HIV and TB services, supported through the Close the Gap and End TB campaigns, to ensure all people are tested, diagnosed and supported early so they can recover and live well.

Building hope through care

The department outlines simple but powerful steps the public can take to help end TB: test early if experiencing a cough for more than two weeks, weight loss, night sweats or fever; start treatment immediately if testing positive – TB treatment is free at public health facilities; complete treatment, even when starting to feel better; return to the clinic if treatment was stopped or appointments missed – patients will be welcomed, not judged; and encourage family and friends to test if they have symptoms. TB treatment works best when taken every day, for the full course, with support from healthcare workers and loved ones.

Looking ahead to the future

Ending TB forms part of the department’s healthcare 2030 vision, supporting people to live well not only by treating illness, but by strengthening prevention, early care and community support. Through community-based services, integrated care and partnerships, the department continues to bring services closer to where people live and work.

This World TB Day, the department calls on communities to stand together and say: Yes! We can End TB.