March 22, 2022

TB is Curable: Get Tested This World TB Day

Clinical HIV Research Unit

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted South Africa’s TB program, resulting in decreased testing and a rise in TB cases. This World TB Day, the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) is urging communities to prioritize TB testing and treatment. The Community Advisory Board (CAB) at CHRU has spearheaded the World TB Month campaign, focusing on the communities surrounding its clinical research sites.

The campaign will leverage social media platforms over traditional media outlets, given the powerful role of social media in disseminating accurate health messages. A series of informative videos have been produced for TikTok and Facebook.

On World TB Day, 24 March 2022, CAB members will take to the streets with placards to encourage people to get tested, start TB treatment, and combat stigma.

Test for TB and COVID-19 at your nearest health facility or clinic today

Key campaign messages have been developed by CAB members and CHRU researchers, emphasizing that untreated TB is deadly but curable with timely testing, treatment initiation, and completion.

The campaign will also focus on TB prevention, emphasizing that TB is highly infectious and spreads through the air, similar to the coronavirus. Communities will be encouraged to open windows, practice social distancing, and wear masks. Additionally, the campaign will address TB stigma, reinforcing that having TB is not the individual's fault and that they did nothing wrong.

The importance of research in developing new, shorter, and safer TB treatments will also be highlighted.

Because COVID-19 and TB have similar symptoms, individuals are encouraged to test for both TB and COVID-19. The symptoms of TB include:

  • Cough,
  • Chest pain,
  • Weight loss,
  • Coughing up blood,
  • Night sweats,
  • Weakness and 
  • Shortness of breath.

Follow CHRU on social media for more information and updates: