WATCH: Celebrating #WomensDay, we spotlight a TB champion, Ntombizuko Kraai, who was diagnosed with TB soon after learning she was living with HIV. She now uses her voice to raise TB awareness, support others on treatment and advocate for better care, especially for women and children.

@tbaccountabilitysa.bsky.social had an insightful Q&A with Dr Janet Giddy, TB survivor & TB Proof consultant, on new global TB preventive treatment guidelines. SA needs clear policy on DR-TB contacts, training, public awareness & private sector support. Read more: tbac.org.za/2025/07/new-...

Did You Know? When people with TB are not diagnosed early or don’t complete treatment, the bacteria can become resistant to medicine. In SA, 13,000 people developed DR-TB in 2023. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen early detection and treatment completion to prevent TB from spreading.

Rural areas in SA face many challenges in the fight against TB, with clinics lacking clean water and infrastructure. These challenges delay diagnosis, increase transmission and worsen health outcomes. Strengthening rural healthcare is key to reducing the TB burden. More here: bit.ly/43V9fbY

Everyday in SA, 832 people get TB and 153 die from it. This highlights the need to scale up testing in communities, improve access to treatment and tackle stigma that keeps people from seeking care. Read more on our 2024 State of TB Report here: bit.ly/4kKvve1 #endTB

TB prevention is key in getting TB under control. Dr. Tabitha Mathose shares her experience of being on TB Preventative Therapy. Her insights highlight the barriers patients often face & the important role TPT plays in preventing the TB spread. Read more in our article here: t.co/HyQkq75Dvl

DID YOU KNOW? For many people, the cost of visiting a healthcare facility is the biggest barrier to getting the care they need. Families are often forced to choose between medical services and basic necessities like food.

The second edition of @tbaccountabilitysa.bsky.social 's quarterly newsletter is here! Catch up on our latest newsletter — from the 2025 State of TB Report to World TB Day events and key advocacy updates here 👉https://bit.ly/42nh6yr @spotlightnsp.bsky.social @tbproof.bsky.social

To end TB, we must find TB. Only by testing and identifying cases early can the country stop the spread and reduce TB deaths. Testing is the first step in the fight against TB, get tested today and help reduce transmission. #YesYouAndIcanEndTB

@tbaccountabilitysa.bsky.social has presented to the Standing Committee on Appropriations on the Division of Revenue Bill, calling for better oversight on how TB funds are spent in the provinces. Read the presentation here for more insights👉https://bit.ly/4i7OopU

Children are at most high risk of contracting TB, with 15-20% of all TB cases in South Africa occurring in children. As the nation observes World Health Day, with a focus on maternal and child health, this concerning statistic calls for urgent attention.

Around 60,297 people in SA have been diagnosed with TB but they haven’t started treatment or been notified. To stop the spread of TB, they need to get onto treatment. Read more about the progress & challenges in finding them in our State of TB Report here: shorturl.at/1uyAJ

On hashtag#WorldTBDay2025 the TB Accountability Consortium SA launched its 4th State of TB in South Africa report — From Crisis to Opportunity: Accelerating Testing to End TB — unpacking South Africa's ambitious plan to end TB. Read and download here👉 t.co/iZN2qieO35

JUST PUBLISHED | While the 2025 national budget boosts health spending, researchers from the South African Medical Research Council stress the need for strong accountability measures. @samrcza.bsky.social Find out more: www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2025/03/19/w...

"'Some won't survive': US cuts threaten S.Africa's young #HIV patients" via @france24.com

The TB Accountability Consortium has issued a statement after the budget speech by the finance minister was silent on ways to fund health projects that was sponsored by the US government.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]: Press release from the TB Accountability Consortium in response to the #BudgetSpeech2025, delivered by the Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana on 12 March 2025. Read here: bit.ly/3R3wVUi #Budget2025 @spotlightnsp.bsky.social @iasociety.bsky.social @rhapnews.bsky.social

On #WorldKidneyDay, let's highlight renal TB—an overlooked form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis affecting the kidneys. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent damage and improve outcomes. Advocating for better resources can enhance interventions and kidney health. @msf.ca

On #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the resilience and accomplishments of women worldwide. We also shed light on the unequal burden of TB on women, particularly in low-income communities & emphasise the urgent need for better healthcare access.

Children under 5 face a higher risk of TB, with those under 15 years making up 7% of cases in South Africa according to the National Department of Health. Despite progress in reducing cases - testing, education, and awareness remain key to curbing the spread.

Good nutrition is vital for people with TB, as it boosts the immune system and enhances treatment effectiveness. Malnutrition worsens TB outcomes, making proper nutrition essential for care. Join the TB Proof's webinar to learn more—register now! bit.ly/4kqgWgC @tbproof.bsky.social

The termination of SMART4TB will delay key TB research, hindering SA’s 2025/26 National TB Programme testing targets. This will also hinder the development of more effective strategies, weakening global TB control efforts. @spotlightnsp.bsky.social

Huge setback for TB research. @tbproof.bsky.social @madhupai.bsky.social @tbaccountabilitysa.bsky.social @treatmentactiongroup.org @erictopol.bsky.social

TB disproportionately affects people living in #rural areas due to a lack of access to healthcare and preventive services. TB is a major health challenge for rural communities and requires increased investment in public health services. #TBAwarenessMonth

One TB patient infects about 20 others, underscoring the need for widespread testing & transmission containment. Our #TipsForFinMin: Invest in expanding treatment coverage in underserved areas to curb transmission and improve public health outcomes.

Our webinar 'Gaining ground in the fight against TB' emphasised the role of testing in TB care. Our 2024 State of TB report shows how early detection through active case finding & Targeted Universal TB Testing improves treatment and reduces transmission. Watch here👉 bit.ly/43kU5gi

On #WorldHearingDay, we spotlight XDR-TB survivor @ptisile.bsky.social who lost her hearing due to treatment side effects. While newer treatments lower risks, challenges remain. Advocate for hearing protection, better TB care & support. Read her story: bit.ly/3F7k3tr @tbproof.bsky.social

TB Accountability Consortium is an advocacy platform dedicated to enhancing accountability in South Africa’s TB response. Our goal is to help reduce the country’s TB burden. Follow us for news, updates, and ways to urge the government to take action against TB. #EndTB

Programme Director, Russell Rensburg was one of the Civil Society Forum (CSF) representatives that presented at the TB Provincial Managers Meeting yesterday. The discussion was centered on key challenges facing the National TB Programme, including US funding and other critical issues: bit.ly/3DaFY2s

Are you aware of the importance of #TBTesting in controlling its spread? South Africa aims for 5 million TB tests this year with Targeted Universal TB Testing. How can we encourage more people to get tested?

Today is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day, a reminder of the importance of healthy living in preventing and managing diseases like TB. Good nutrition and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol reduce TB risk and enhance well-being. #HealthyLiving

Access to TB treatment requires affordability, quality and reliable supply. Lack of testing and drug stockouts delay diagnosis, worsening spread. #TipsForFinMin: Prioritize accessibility for timely, barrier-free care. @spotlightnsp.bsky.social @tbproof.bsky.social

TB is treatable and preventable, but it remains one of the leading causes of death in South Africa. Our #TipsforFinMin are to increase allocations for TB testing this year. There are more than 280 000 people estimated to have TB. But only 46% are successfully treated. We need more tests! #LALELA

Early access to TB testing is a critical part of treating TB successfully. Our #TipsforFinMin are to prioritise adequate funding for TB testing and diagnostic resources. Accessible testing means faster treatment and fewer deaths. #LALELA

DID YOU KNOW? People with a history of #TB face a higher risk of reinfection due to factors like incomplete treatment or weak immunity. This underscores the need for routine monitoring in strengthening retention on treatment and strong post-TB care. #EndTB #TBcare

People with HIV face a higher TB risk, accounting for over 54% of SA's TB cases in 2022. Sibongile contracted TB due to lack of HIV treatment. SANAC's National Strategic Plan aims to curb TB and HIV through integrated care, better testing, and treatment adherence.

Despite increased TB testing, stigma still prevents many from seeking treatment. Fear of discrimination keeps individuals from care, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to reduce stigma and ensure those diagnosed feel safe completing treatment. Read here: bit.ly/3XfhHQd

TB testing is underway, but treatment access remains a major issue due to drug stockouts, hindering care in many communities. It's time for the South African President to prioritise these challenges in health budget allocations. #LalelaMrPresident!

Undernutrition and low income fuel South Africa's TB burden by weakening immunity and increasing vulnerability. Addressing undernutrition is vital to reducing TB risk, preventing infection and improving outcomes in high-risk groups.

[THREAD]: Delays in TB diagnosis contribute to the high TB mortality rate in South Africa each year. According to @who.int, in 2023 an estimated 270,000 people contracted TB and 56,000 died from the disease. #EndTB

[THREAD]: Every community member has the right to demand TB testing if they show symptoms. Those diagnosed also have the right to request testing for their entire household, as per the South Africa's National Department of Health's TB Screening SOP. #moreTBtestssaveslives #betterTBtesting

Poor living conditions, inadequate housing, sanitation, and food insecurity fuel TB spread and hinder treatment. Governments must address these basic needs in high-risk areas to reduce the TB burden and improve health. #EndTB

The 2022 National TB Programme reported only 46% of TB cases are successfully treated, with over 50% lost or undiagnosed. Addressing this gap is crucial for South Africa to achieve its 90% TB treatment success target by 2030.

[THREAD]: DID YOU KNOW? HIV, TB & diabetes are linked. People Living with HIV have increased risk of TB & diabetes, while untreated TB worsens diabetes management. This interaction impacts TB outcomes in SA, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to diagnosis & treatment.

While 99% of individuals with TB are tested, 91% diagnosed and 75% start treatment, many are still lost in the beginning of care. This highlights the need for better interventions in early stages of treatment. Read more in our 2024 State of TB report: bit.ly/4ablYbl

With 155M TB survivors at risk of long-term impacts, including post-TB lung disease (PTLD), care is urgently needed in LMICs. Today marked the kickoff to our project in collaboration with stakeholders, aiming to develop tools, solutions and raise awareness to improve post-TB care.

[THREAD]: South Africa has made strides in community involvement, but gaps remain in local communication of the TB Recovery Plan. Our 2nd State of TB Report underscores the importance of NTP Pillar 1 for consistent messaging to boost awareness and engagement.

Improving TB treatment outcomes requires a patient-centered approach. Our latest eMag from the #TBACconvening2024 explores how innovative strategies like community-based care are transforming the fight against TB. Catch up on all the highlights here👉 bit.ly/4fXW9Ob

Approximately 280,000 people in SA develop TB annually, according to the @who.int’s 2023 Global TB Report. As an airborne disease, TB spreads easily through air droplets. Education and awareness are key in preventing its spread, encouraging early diagnosis and reducing stigma.

[THREAD]: The SA National TB Programme reveals that many TB-diagnosed individuals fail to start treatment, with certain health facilities contributing significantly to the issue.