World TB Day, 24 March 2012 | Western Cape Government

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World TB Day, 24 March 2012

23 March 2012

On World TB Day, 24 March 2012, the Western Cape is launching its strategic plan for HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis (TB) for the period 2012-2016. This is the first time that TB is included in the HIV strategy and marks a milestone in the Department of Health's response to the dual epidemics of HIV and TB.

Western Cape Health Minister Theuns Botha, who also chairs the province's AIDS council, says the dual epidemic response acknowledges that TB is posing huge challenges in this province. The plan has expanded its prevention, treatment, care and support interventions to also address the social drivers of ill health and moving the strategy into government's sector plan. This means that the strategy has been developed through wide consultation and that all government departments, the various sectors, business and civil society will participate in implementing the plan.

The key strategic objectives for the next five years include:

  • Addressing social and structural barriers that increase vulnerability to HIV, sexually transmitted and TB infections.
  • Preventing new HIV, TB and sexually transmitted infections.
  • Sustaining health and wellness.
  • Increasing the protection of human rights and improving access to justice.

In the Western Cape, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis still constitute the largest burden of premature mortality and rank among the three major causes of shorter life spans. The strategic plan will provide direction for all sectors on how to effectively respond to the twin epidemics.

The national theme for this year is "Zero infection, zero deaths, zero stigma in my lifetime". In order to achieve the sentiments of this national slogan, the Western Cape aims to detect and treat cases early to minimise the spread of infection.

The national incidence of TB is 823/100 000 population and the Western Cape is slightly higher at 935/100 000. The Eastern Cape is the only province with a per 100 000 incidence higher than the Western Cape at 960/100 000.

At the same time the Western Cape leads the country in its significant progress through the TB strategy. New smear cure rates for TB in this province stands at 80.5%, which is the highest TB cure rate achieved in South Africa. Patients who successfully complete the full course of treatment is at the World Health Organization target of 85%.

Recent statistics for people who have TB in the Western Cape (both children and adults)

TB Cases

0-4

5-14

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

>74

Total

M

2 640

910

3 284

6 484

6 418

3 970

1 597

428

138

25 869

F

2 355

1 002

3 696

5 958

4 269

2 145

883

317

130

20 755

TOTAL

4 995

1 912

6 980

12 442

10 687

6 115

2 480

745

268

46 624

TB prevalence in the different districts (per 100 000)

Cape Metro

799

Cape Winelands

1 013.4

Central Karoo

1 013.3

Eden

976.7

Overberg

1 054.9

West Coast

1 224.9

Although TB numbers in the Western Cape have been decreasing over the past four years, this is unfortunately not necessarily an indication that the epidemic is under control or even stabilising. The high percentage of patients testing highly positive on diagnosis is an indication of undiagnosed, untreated cases in the community.

For this reason the Western Cape Government Health will start a case detection campaign to be continued for the next 12 months. The situation will be evaluated in 2013 and strategies re-assessed.

Provision of TB Medication
All patients are offered education and counselling in preparation for adhering to the course of medication on diagnosis. A regular six-month TB medication course is costed at R500.

Initially medication is provided at health facilities for a period of two weeks to monitor patients for adverse drug reactions and compliance as well as acute management of any other health problems. Medication can be continued at the health facility on a daily or basis or through a community care worker.

Complicated and TB/HIV co-infected patients have access to six TB hospitals in the province.

Accessibility of TB Drugs in South Africa
TB drugs are procured on a national tender and are available at all health facilities in Western Cape. The calculation of drugs needed is based on the number of cases treated the previous year plus an inflator (%) based on year-on-year increases in numbers. The country produces the required TB drugs locally.

TB Drug Trials Referral Sites:
www.allafrica.com/stories/201202101094.html.
www.new.tballiance.org/newscenter/view-innews.php?id=753 .
www.thebodypro.com/content/art59449.html.
www.southafrica.info/about/health/tb-091110.htm.

Media Enquiries: 

Hélène Rossouw
Spokesperson for Minister Botha
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 082 771 8834
E-mail: helene.rossouw@pgwc.gov.za