Community health workers did TB testing in Vygieskraal informal settlement on World TB day.
Community health workers did TB testing in Vygieskraal informal settlement on World TB Day, last Friday.
The day’s theme this year was “Yes! We can end TB!”, according to provincial health department spokeswoman Monique Johnstone, who said it would take all of society working together to end an illness that is most rampant in communities plagued by poverty and social ills.
“Poverty, substance abuse, undernourishment, and poor living and working conditions, among others, affect how people fall ill, develop TB and cope with the demands of treatment and influence the health outcomes they face.”
Ramon Snyders, 38, who was among those tested on Friday, said he had lost his sister to the illness recently, and Tracey-Lee Nathan, of Belgravia, said she had been in contact with someone who had died from TB.
“A close friend of mine passed away from TB, but I am glad that the health department is here so I can have myself tested and to help encourage others not to be afraid and have themselves tested and treated,” she said.
Ms Johnstone said TB testing was free and no appointment was needed.
“This service is confidential. We will not share your TB status with anyone, and we will provide support. If you suspect that you have TB, it is important to visit a clinic as soon as possible. TB is a highly infectious disease that spreads through the air when a person with TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. Although the TB bacteria can live in your body without developing symptoms, if it’s not treated properly, TB can be fatal.”
TB symptoms include coughing for more than two weeks, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fever, and extreme tiredness or fatigue.
TB treatment is free from the clinic. You’ll be started on TB medication for six months. A nurse at the clinic will tell you about the disease, how it’s treated, the importance of taking your medication, the diet to follow, the importance of screening your immediate family members as well as things to avoid when you’re on treatment.
TB is curable if you take your medication correctly for the full duration, Ms Johnstone said.
“If you feel better after taking medication, continue until the nurse tells you to stop. If you’re struggling while taking medication, please speak to your TB nurse. TB is dangerous if you don't comply with medication, and it can lead to even more serious complications.”
All children under 5 who are in close contact with a TB patient should be taken to the clinic to be screened. Adults who have symptoms of TB should also go to the clinic to be tested for TB and wear a mask to avoid infecting others.
To screen yourself, save 0600123 456 as a contact, “NDoH”, on WhatsApp then text “TB” to the number and follow the prompts to complete the TB health check. You will then hear what to do next based on your level of risk.