Along with key stakeholders and global health partners, the province is making strides in early detection, treatment, and integrated care.

The department has partnered with organisations such as the Provincial Council on Aids (PCA), the Aurum Institute, and other international collaborators to strengthen its TB response, said spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi. Over the past decade, the province has made “remarkable progress” in managing complex TB cases.

Technological innovation

“The province has made notable strides in TB management, particularly in treating complex cases such as being the first to cure multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and having succeeded in treating extreme drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).”

These milestones have been achieved through the adoption of decentralised care models, enabling patients who previously faced poor prognoses to fully recover. Technological innovation has played a key role in early TB detection, he added.

Mothibedi emphasised that technological innovation has played a key role in early detection of the disease.

Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp now operates a specialised TB unit. Photo: OFM News

“The department also prides itself on having integrated modern technology into TB management and treatment. These achievements were made possible through improvements in diagnostic tools like GeneXpert testing and the roll-out of newer, more effective drugs such as bedaquiline.”

Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp now operates a specialised TB unit offering integrated services for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB patients, including inpatient care for complex cases. Taung District Hospital, located in the rural Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, has developed a comprehensive TB outreach programme to bring services closer to remote communities.

“Both hospitals work closely with district health services to ensure continuity of care through community-based treatment support, a crucial component in ensuring patient adherence and limiting loss to follow-up,” said Mothibedi.

He said the province has begun extending its TB expertise and capacity to other districts.

Strategic interventions have also included the expansion of mobile clinics, training programs for community health workers, and the adoption of digital adherence technologies such as SMS reminders and virtual check-ins, made possible through partnerships with NGOs and the PCA.

Meanwhile, North West Health MEC Sello Lehari praised the Provincial Legislature’s involvement through the TB Caucus.

“We have a leadership team that is committed to help us stop TB. They understand that TB is curable and through the TB Caucus, our Premier and the Speaker, as well as all the members of the Legislature, can mobilise stakeholders in the fight against TB,” said Lehari.

Mothibedi said the province’s TB Management Unit, led by Job Mogwera, is now committed to scaling up efforts in contact tracing, household screenings, and preventive therapy for high-risk groups.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg