Let's Stop TB in Our Lifetime

World TB Day is commemorated on 24 March 2013. Every year, the Western Cape Government's Department of Health creates awareness about the causes, symptoms and treatment available for this infectious disease. The theme for 2013 is: "Zero TB and HIV infections, deaths, stigma and discrimination in my lifetime" taken from the National Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2016. This year, the national World TB Day commemorations will be held in the Western Cape.

The third annual Global Forum on TB vaccines to be held in Cape Town from 25 to 27 March 2013, and the World Health Organization (WHO) launch of guidelines for the management of TB and HIV in correctional facilities set the scene for the focus on children and prisoners.

Activities for the month Include:

• TB screening and HCT campaign 4 to 22 March 2013 in Enkanini in Khayelitsha.
• Kick-TB campaign focusing on children.
• TB screening and HCT campaign in correctional facilities.
• Event at Brooklyn Chest Hospital School.
• March to create awareness.
• Community event in Khayelitsha on 22 March 2013.
• Event at Pollsmoor on 24 March 2013.

There are six TB Hospitals in the Province:

• Brooklyn Chest Hospital – Cape Town
  Tel: 021 508 7400
  Fax: 021 510 3898

• D P Marais Hospital – Cape Town
  Tel: 021 713 7600
  Fax: 021 713 0335

• Harry Comay Hospital – George
  Tel: 044 803 9000
  Fax: 044 875 1174

• Brewelskloof Hospital – Worcester
  Tel: 023 348 1305
  Fax: 023 348 1359

• Sonstraal Hospital – Paarl
  Tel: 021 862 3176
  Fax: 021 862 0371

• ID Hospital – Malmesbury
  Tel: 022 487 3294
  Fax: 022 487 2237

Find out more on what you need to know about TB, including what the symptoms are, where and how to get tested and treated, as well as how to take preventative action.