Diabetes and Tuberculosis (TB) are two significant public health challenges in South Africa, both of which are worsening due to systemic gaps in healthcare delivery. This is coupled with insufficient data collection and inadequate prevention efforts. As the world observes World Diabetes Day under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, the question of how diabetes contributes to TB patients is once again raised. Diabetes has become one of the top ten causes of death in the country, and the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes is being fuelled by urbanisation, changing lifestyles and a lack of targeted healthcare interventions. This […]

The importance and value of having open access to data to improve SA’s TB response was once again brought to the spotlight in this year’s annual TB convening. The Call to Action report was launched at the convening unpacking why access to data is an essential public benefit for transparency, accountability and good governance. This report advocates for open access to key facility-level TB indicators to improve public services and accountability. It argues that access to data can lead to more equitable resource allocation and better decision-making, while also addressing concerns about data protection and privacy in the digital age. […]

Malnutrition remains a significant public health issue in South Africa, affecting various age groups and contributing to a range of health issues including an increased vulnerability to diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). As the country observes National Nutrition Week 2024 from 9-15 October, the theme “Eat Right for a Better Life!” underscores the important role of nutrition in improving the overall well-being. This annual observance aims to raise awareness about healthy eating practices and to encourage communities to embrace balanced diets. Nzama Mbalati, CEO at HEALA, highlights that this week serves as an important reminder of the link between healthy […]

The TB Accountability Consortium will be joining hands with the provincial health department in KwaZulu-Natal to improve the TB response in the province.  The province remains one of South Africa’s TB hotspots in South Africa, where 54 000 people still die of TB each year despite it being a preventable and treatable disease.  In July, the TBAC outreach team met with the Provincial Department of Health to talk about some of the challenges that were being experienced.  At the top of the list was the absence of communication campaigns. According to Rosslyn Page,  the TB control program’s Advocacy Communication and […]