South Africa’s 8th TB conference: Accelerating Progress to End TB

The TB Accountability Consortium (TBAC) attended South Africa’s 8th TB Conference in Durban under the theme Accelerating Progress to End TB.  

The conference focused on advancing the national and global response to tuberculosis (TB). It served as a platform for discussing the latest research, innovations, and challenges in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and stigma. 

TBAC hosted a satellite session titled “The State of TB in South Africa: Exploring challenges in the care cascade.” The session was framed around TBAC’s 2024 State of TB report, which highlights South Africa’s relatively high TB infection and death rates. The report examines factors such as co-morbidities and challenges in implementing the TB care cascade and recommends strategies for strengthening TB programs in South Africa. 

The satellite session featured a panel discussion with experts in the field, including Dr. Andrew Medina-Marino, Dr. Samantha Maughan, Professor Neil Martinson, Dr. JD Lotz, and Camren McAvarey. The discussion centered on unpacking the causes of late TB diagnosis, TB in men, and access to TB-related data. 

The panellists highlighted several key issues, including the need for routine TB testing, addressing TB stigma, and increasing access to TB data, with Dr. Andrew Medina-Marino noting that “men are often vulnerable to TB stigma and face social exclusion, whereas women can self-isolate and maintain their access to resources. It is thus key to establish support groups for men that can could provide necessary support.”  

They also emphasized the importance of integrated approaches to managing individuals with multiple chronic illnesses and strengthening the healthcare system. 

The conference underscored the need for cohesive and collaborative efforts to drive systemic change. This is with particular reference to a civil society voice in driving advocacy efforts. TBAC is committed to continuing this work with renewed determination and support, mobilizing resources, fostering stronger partnerships, and ensuring advocacy translates into tangible improvements in rural health services. 

The endorsement by SANAC CSF TB Task Team Chairperson Mabalane Mfundisi validated TBAC’s direction and strategic planning efforts, recognizing its role as an accountability arm of the TB Task Team. This endorsement will enhance TBAC’s advocacy efforts and solidify its position within the TB Task Team.