Department to host TB Imbizo

05 February 2008

Tuberculosis virus better known as TB, spread very quickly with serious consequences of death . Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that spreads through the air just like an ordinary common cold. When infected people cough, sneeze, talk or spit, the infectious TB virus called bacilli spread into the air. Infection can occur even if a person inhales a small amount of air carrying these viruses.

In commemoration of World TB Day, the Gauteng Department of Health will host a two day TB Imbizo at Turffontein Race Course on 28 -29 February 2008. The occasion will stress challenges that affect the TB Programme, thus making it difficult to reach the National and Provincial targets to strengthen commitment of all stakeholders in curbing the TB epidemic.

It is estimated that 1.6 million deaths resulted from TB in 2005 in Sub-Sahara Africa. The epidemics of HIV and TB are often interlinked. Both form a deadly combination, each speeding the other's progress. HIV weakens the immune system. A person who is HIV-positive and infected with TB virus is more likely to become sick with TB than someone infected with TB and tested HIV-negative. TB is a leading cause of death among people who are HIV-positive. In Africa , HIV is the major factor contributing to the increase in incidence of TB since 1990.

Drug-resistant TB on the other hand, is caused by inconsistent or partial treatment and when patients do not complete their medications regularly for the required period.

The surfacing of extensively drug-resistant known as XDR TB, especially in settings where TB patients are also HIV positive, poses a serious threat to TB control, and confirms the urgent need to strengthen basic TB control.

The TB Imbizo will also review the 2004 Imbizo progress on commitments made by all stakeholders, which include an evaluation on the strides made by the Province, Districts and all relevant stakeholders.