The Gauteng Department of Health has kicked off TB Awareness Month (1–31 March) with encouraging progress in reducing tuberculosis (TB) mortality and improving treatment outcomes across the province.
According to the Department’s media statement issued on 1 March 2026, Gauteng has maintained consistently high TB case-finding rates during the first three quarters (Q1–Q3) of the 2025/26 financial year . Detection rates reached 95% in Q1 (6,655 of 6,842 cases), 96% in Q2 (7,481 of 7,757 cases), and 95% in Q3 (6,664 of 7,020 cases), reflecting the success of intensified community screening and outreach programmes.
Health teams have focused on townships, informal settlements and hostels, while also targeting high-risk groups such as people living with HIV, ex-mine workers and sex workers. These interventions have strengthened early diagnosis and linkage to care.
Treatment initiation has also exceeded targets. In Q3 alone, more than 20,000 patients aged five years and older started TB treatment, alongside 643 children under five. The Department attributes this success to improved follow-up systems, high testing rates, enhanced case-finding efforts and the SMS notification strategy implemented by the National Health Laboratory Service .
Encouragingly, treatment outcomes continue to improve. Gauteng recorded a 71% treatment success rate for Rifampicin-Resistant and Multidrug-Resistant TB (RR/MDR-TB), supported by strong patient retention and consistent clinical mentorship .
While progress is evident, challenges remain. The province recorded 1,131 TB-related deaths during Q1 and Q2, with late presentation at health facilities identified as the leading contributor to fatalities . Health authorities emphasise that early testing and strict adherence to treatment are critical to saving lives.
These provincial efforts align with the national END TB Campaign, which aims to screen five million people and strengthen TB diagnosis and care nationwide . The Department continues to collaborate with private healthcare providers, mining companies, social development agencies and faith-based leaders to expand access to services.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, urged residents to act swiftly if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss.
“TB is curable when treated early. Together, we can reduce transmission and protect our communities,” she said .
As TB Awareness Month unfolds, residents are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic for screening and to support family and community members in completing their treatment.
