Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most infectious diseases affecting humanity. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, TB continues to claim lives across the globe. An estimated 10.7 million people were infected in 2024 worldwide, while 1.23 million people succumbed to death.
In South Africa, the burden remains substantial, notwithstanding recorded progress to reduce TB infections. Approximately 249 000 people were infected in 2024, while 54 000 deaths were recorded (World Health Organization).
Mpumalanga is not immune from the impact of the disease, with 7.8 percent infections. The Ehlanzeni District carries the heaviest burden of MDR-TB, signalling a serious public health threat that could undermine efforts to eliminate TB.
It is against this backdrop that World TB Day is commemorated each year to raise awareness about the devastating impact of TB.
In Mpumalanga the Provincial World TB Day Commemoration was held on 14 March 2026 at Sy Mthimunye Stadium in eMalahleni Local Municipality, with government leaders, healthcare workers, TB survivors, and community members attending, under the theme: “Yes! We can End TB! Led by Countries! Powered by People!”.
MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Mr Speed Mashilo delivered the key message on behalf of the Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu. “TB can lead to stigma and discrimination, further isolating individuals and making it harder for them to access healthcare and support. Let us not discriminate against or stigmatize people living with TB and those with HIV, because you never know what the future holds for you. Let us accept them as full members of the community,” he enthused.
Mpumalanga is hard at work to end TB by 2030, in line with national targets, and as such the province is intensifying testing of people for TB. The “End TB Campaign”, targeting 5 million people nationally, is underway. This has resulted in 390 329 TB tests and 18 227 people on treatment. A significant portion of the population is still missing
Research studies have established that more women are testing compared to men, yet the latter shows higher positivity rates, thus proving that men are accessing services late, and increasing the risk of transmission.
To achieve set targets the province is utilising mobile clinics with TB testing capabilities and conducting community-based screening in high-burden areas. In addition community-based screening are undertaken in high-risk areas, while conducting digital chest X-rays for early detection.
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The Mpumalanga Department of Health urges all residents to take simple but vital steps in the fight against TB.