Community support can save lives in the fight against TB

The Citizen

13-07-2025

Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng is raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Through community education, she aims to inform the public about how TB spreads, how it can be prevented, and why early diagnosis is crucial.
'TB mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even speaks.
'TB is not a death sentence, but when left untreated or poorly managed, it becomes life-threatening,' explained Mofokeng.
Mofokeng mentioned that she currently works in a male medical ward and one of the most painful realities she faces is the high rate of treatment default among TB patients.
She highlighted that many start their medication feeling hopeful, but due to various challenges like side effects, lack of support, poverty, or stigma, they stop taking their treatment before completion.
'I have seen patients return weeks or months later, far sicker than before. Some have drug-resistant TB, while others are too ill to recover. What breaks my heart most is knowing that these deaths are preventable.
'South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of TB in the world. According to the World Health Organization, over 200 000 new TB cases are reported annually here, and the majority of them are among the most economically active age group,' she cited.
Mofokeng further noted a correlation between HIV and TB. She has treated countless patients who are co-infected with both, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of death.
Early detection is critical.
Do not ignore these warning signs:
• A cough lasting longer than two weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• Drenching night sweats
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Coughing up blood
'If you experience these symptoms or know someone who does, please go to your nearest clinic immediately. TB treatment in South Africa is completely free at public clinics. It involves a six-month course of treatment. However, for treatment to be successful, it must be taken every single day without fail.
'I have seen what happens when patients skip doses or stop early. The bacteria become resistant, and we are left with fewer and far more toxic treatment options.
'This is known as drug-resistant TB, and it is a growing threat in our country. The painful part is witnessing an increase in cases where, even after some patients have been re-initiated on treatment, they still default.
'This then makes them acquire multi-drug resistance. There is a huge challenge with tuberculosis in the hospitals, which are full of people who were unable to comply with treatment,' added Mofokeng.
Some of the most common challenges patients face include:
• Lack of food to take with medication
• Fear of stigma or being judged
• Side effects from the medication
• Long clinic queues or transport issues
• Poor understanding of the importance of completing treatment
• Prevention and community action:
Here is how the community can help prevent the spread of TB:
• Encourage early screening and testing
• Improve ventilation in homes and workplaces
• Promote good cough etiquette and hygiene
• Support those on treatment, emotionally and practically.
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