Gauteng Makes Steady Gains in TB Fight as Awareness Month Begins
Viable News Team 
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has reported sustained progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), with significant improvements in case detection, treatment initiation and patient outcomes across the province.
The update comes as South Africa marks TB Awareness Month from 1 to 31 March 2026, a period dedicated to intensifying public education, screening and early treatment to curb the spread of the disease.
High Case Detection and Treatment Uptake
According to the department, TB case-finding rates remained consistently high during the first three quarters (Q1–Q3) of the 2025/26 financial year. Detection stood at 95% in Q1, 96% in Q2 and 95% in Q3, reflecting the success of targeted community-based screening and outreach programmes.
These initiatives focused on townships, informal settlements and hostels, with special attention given to high-risk groups such as people living with HIV, former mineworkers and sex workers.
Treatment initiation targets were also exceeded. In the third quarter alone, more than 20,000 patients aged five years and older began TB treatment, alongside 643 children under the age of five.
The department credited this progress to improved monitoring of patients lost to follow-up, high testing rates and the rollout of an SMS notification strategy by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), which speeds up diagnosis and linkage to care.
Improved Outcomes and Falling Mortality
Treatment outcomes continue to show encouraging trends. Gauteng achieved a 71% treatment success rate for Rifampicin-Resistant and Multidrug-Resistant TB (RR/MDR-TB), supported by strong retention in care and consistent mentorship of TB clinicians.
Mortality data further indicates progress. During Q1 and Q2, the province recorded 1,131 TB-related deaths. While this highlights ongoing challenges, mortality audits reveal that late presentation at health facilities remains the leading cause of TB fatalities reinforcing the importance of early testing and treatment adherence.
Aligned With National TB Strategy
The GDoH said these achievements align with the National END TB Campaign, which aims to screen five million people nationwide and improve TB diagnosis and linkage to care.
The province continues to work closely with private healthcare providers, mining companies, social development agencies, and traditional and faith-based leaders to expand access to testing and treatment support, particularly in high-risk communities.
Call to Action During TB Awareness Month
Residents are urged to remain vigilant. Anyone experiencing persistent cough, fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss is encouraged to seek testing immediately at the nearest clinic.
Emphasising the importance of early care, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said sustained community action remains critical.
“Every life saved and every patient successfully treated demonstrates the impact of sustained effort and targeted interventions. TB is curable when treated early, and together we can reduce transmission and safeguard community health,” she said.
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