March the global community commemorates World Tuberculosis Day. It was on this day in 1882 that Robert Koch told the world that a bacillus calledHow is South Africa doing in combatting TB? While we have seen some improvement, TB is still a very big problem for the country. Every year, it is estimated that around 290 000 people contract TB and 54 000 people die from TB. This puts South Africa as one of the countries with the highest rates of TB in the world.
However, we can end TB because TB can be diagnosed and treated in six months and is curable. It is therefore very important for those with symptoms of TB to visit their nearest public clinic and get tested, and if positive to get treatment. Early presentation to a clinic and treatment will also be good for those we are close to – family members, work colleagues and people we travel with in busses, taxis and trains.
While TB is a very old disease – it was found in Egyptian mummies – except for children – we don’t have a vaccine that works for young people and adults. Even the vaccine for children which is called BCG, is not very effective and is more than 100 years old. However, there is some good news. There are a few vaccines that are currently being studied – one of which is called M72 which is currently in clinical trials in a few countries, including South Africa.