The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address on Tuesday, at the national World TB Day commemorative event at Caledon Sports Grounds, Ian Toerin Way, Overberg District, Western Cape Province.
“South Africa remains one of the hardest hit countries by Tuberculosis (TB), which has remained the leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 56 000 lives a year, more than half (54%) of which are people living with HIV,” the Presidency said.
World TB Day is commemorated each year on 24 March to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and profile efforts to eliminate the disease.
This day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB.
This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is ‘Yes! You and I Can End TB’ - a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies, as well as to encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB.
“The 2026 World TB Day commemoration will support the implementation of the National TB Strategic Plan, with a particular focus on amplifying the End TB Campaign, which aims to test five million people annually through expanded testing, integrated healthcare services, effective communication, community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and increased funding for prevention, treatment, and research,” the Presidency said.
Deputy President Mashatile will be joined by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde; SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Solly Nduku; Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Mpumi Zikalala; SANAC CEO, Dr Thembi Xulu, as well as representatives from development partners, including United Nations Agencies, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector. -SAnews.gov.za
