| City records 50% drop in TB diagnoses as testing increases from 1 500 to 7 000 monthly | City records 50% drop in TB diagnoses as testing increases from 1 500 to 7 000 monthly | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>As part of Tuberculosis (TB) awareness month, the City of Cape Town’s Health Department is intensifying its focus on targeted testing of vulnerable populations. This approach has already shown measurable success.</p> | <p>The disease continues to affect many South Africans, but new data shows collective efforts are slowly turning the tide. </p><p>From 2021 to 2025, the Health Department recorded a significant increase in TB testing coverage among high risk groups. </p><p>From testing about 1 500 clients a month, City clinics are now testing 7 000 clients a month, with the TB positivity rate dropping from 20% in 2021 to 10% in 2025.
<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/TB2.jpg.jpeg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure><p><span>These local gains align with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) End TB strategy, which calls for mobilising leadership, strengthening investment in TB programmes, and accelerating the rollout of newer, faster diagnostic tools.</span></p><p><span>‘The decrease reflects earlier detection, improved access, and strengthened community led prevention efforts. City Health has intensified targeted universal testing for TB (TUTT), one of the key activities of the Close The Gap campaign.
</span></p><span><p>‘We are making real progress and we need to keep up the momentum. Let’s continue to create awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, support loved ones and ensure those around us are safe and protected. It’s a step in the right direction in the fight against a disease which is preventable and curable’, said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.</p><p>
</p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/TB3.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span>
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<p>The Close the Gap campaign, by the National Department of Health (NdoH) is a country-wide initiative which targets high-burden areas focusing on retention in care, TB testing, and reducing stigma. </p>
<p>A World TB Day outreach was held at the Harmonie Clinic in Kraaifontein, with residents engaging all services and gaining clear, informative guidance on TB prevention and care.</p>
<p>A clinical medical officer addresses the community, highlighting progress in TB testing and early detection.</p>
<p>Earlier this month, the NdoH launched the National TB Data Dashboard, which is a public platform designed to increase transparency and enable real time monitoring of TB trends, helping the country better identify and support high risk communities.<br></p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/TB1.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure><p>With more people getting tested, especially those most at risk, persons with TB are identified earlier, with better chance of a cure and transmission in communities is reduced. </p><p><strong>How to reduce the spread of TB:</strong></p><ul><li>Keep windows open to improve ventilation<br></li><li>Let natural sunlight into your home<br></li><li>Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing<br></li><li>Seek medical advice early if you feel unwell</li></ul></span><p><strong>Remember to test for TB If:</strong></p><ul><li>You have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB in the past 12 months<br></li><li>You have had TB in the last two years<br></li><li>You are living with HIV</li></ul><p>If you test negative for TB, you may be eligible for TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) - a safe and effective way to prevent TB disease.</p><p>TB testing and TPT (if eligible) are free at all City clinics.</p><p>For more information, speak to a healthcare worker at your nearest clinic. A full list of clinics is available <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/clinics" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Caption 1: Councillor Francine Higham at a TB awareness event at the Harmonie Clinic in Kraaifontein.</p><p>Caption 2: At the event were from left Lindelwa Zithulele, Barbra Matasane, Councillor Ronel Viljoen, chairperson of the Community Services and Health Portfolio Committee, Councillor Higham, Cynthia Floris and Colleen McNeil. The women in yellow are all from the Caring Network Organisation. </p><p>Caption 3: Dr Che Le Roux, a City clinical medical officer, addressing the audience.
<br></p> | 2026-03-26T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#413548c2-a54f-46e4-b80d-76181c4aa8b8;L0|#0413548c2-a54f-46e4-b80d-76181c4aa8b8|TB;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#0b858893-1ef6-46d3-9364-6c1c772e881d;L0|#00b858893-1ef6-46d3-9364-6c1c772e881d|Clinics;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#5fb0fd45-1240-41c9-aaeb-627cbd4a11ab;L0|#05fb0fd45-1240-41c9-aaeb-627cbd4a11ab|Health;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
