UKZN, CAPRISA and AHRI Unite to Accelerate Fight Against Tuberculosis

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s College of Health Sciences (CHS), in partnership with the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), recently hosted a powerful and thought-provoking commemoration of World TB Day.

The event brought together government leaders, researchers, clinicians, students and community members in a united call to end tuberculosis (TB).

Held under the global theme: ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’, the event underscored the urgency of collective action in addressing one of South Africa’s most persistent public health challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Director for TB Control and Management at the National Department of Health, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, described TB as more than a disease, rather a human rights issue tied to dignity, equity and access to care.

“TB remains preventable and curable, yet it continues to be a leading cause of death in South Africa,” said Ndjeka, highlighting the country’s high burden, with an estimated incidence of 389 cases per 100 000 people.

Ndjeka outlined significant progress made in recent years, including a 61% reduction in TB incidence since 2015, improved treatment regimens, and advances in diagnostics such as molecular testing and artificial intelligence-assisted screening. However, he stressed that critical gaps remained, particularly in identifying undiagnosed cases and reducing mortality.

“We are finding many patients and successfully treating them, but too many are still missed, and too many are still dying. Ending TB will require stronger partnerships between government, academia and communities,” he said.

A central feature of the programme was a candid and emotional session led by community representatives, facilitated by CAPRISA’s Mr Patrick Mdletshe. Individuals who had experienced TB shared their personal journeys, shedding light on the social realities behind the statistics.

Speakers highlighted the importance of family support in completing treatment while also pointing to persistent barriers such as stigma, poverty and lack of tailored health messaging. Concerns were raised about patients defaulting on treatment due to socioeconomic pressures, inadequate support systems and the disconnect between public health messaging and lived realities.

“There is progress, but it is not enough,” said Ms Sazi Jali, secretary of Civil Society in eThekwini. “We need to return to basics - strong support systems, community engagement and messaging that speaks to everyone.”

The second half of the event featured a high-level panel discussion investigating whether current TB research aligns with realities on the ground. Experts from UKZN, CAPRISA and AHRI reflected on advances in diagnostics, treatment and vaccine development, while acknowledging persistent challenges. The panellists were Professor Kogie Naidoo, Professor Yunus Moosa, Professor Limakatso Lebina, Professor Rubeshan Perumal and Dr Richard Lessels.

Panellists emphasised that while South Africa is a global leader in TB research and innovation, biomedical advances must be matched with stronger social and behavioural interventions.

“There is a gap between scientific progress and patient experience,” said Perumal. “We have excellent tools but we must ensure they reach and work for the most vulnerable populations.”

Discussions highlighted the need for person-centred care and improved counselling for TB patients; greater investment in social support systems, including nutrition and mental health; enhanced community-based screening and early detection strategies, continued research into vaccines and shorter, more effective treatment regimens.

The event concluded with a strong message that ending TB requires a whole-of-society approach. Participants called for broader collaboration across sectors, including health, education and social development, to address the underlying drivers of the disease.

Despite the challenges, there was a shared sense of optimism.

“South Africa has the tools, the expertise and the leadership to end TB,” said Ndjeka. “What we need now is sustained commitment, stronger partnerships and a relentless focus on reaching those most at risk.”

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini