World TB Day 2026: Delayed diagnosis fuels TB spread in South Africa
As the world marks World TB Day on March 24, under the theme “Yes! We can end TB!”, South Africa faces a critical challenge: turning awareness into early action to prevent and treat tuberculosis effectively.
“TB is all around us,” says Dr Jessica Hamuy Blanco, product and clinical risk executive at Dis-Chem.
“Many people don’t realise that exposure is common. The bacteria can lie dormant for years and only become active when the immune system is compromised.”
Despite widespread awareness, a significant gap remains between knowledge and action. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 249,000 people in South Africa developed tuberculosis in 2024, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge.
Although preventable and curable, TB often spreads quietly because early symptoms are ignored or misattributed to less serious conditions.
“People don’t always recognise the signs early enough or know where to seek help,” Dr Hamuy Blanco explains. “This is where informed, trusted healthcare makes the difference. Early intervention can save lives and prevent further transmission.”
South Africa remains one of the countries most affected by TB globally. The disease is closely linked to HIV, with weakened immune systems increasing the likelihood of TB becoming active. Socio-economic factors, such as overcrowded living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and poverty, further drive transmission.
Delayed diagnosis not only endangers individuals but also increases the risk for families and communities. Detecting TB early remains one of the most effective ways to reduce its spread and improve recovery. Treatment typically involves a six- to nine-month course of antibiotics, which is highly effective when completed.
“The signs can be missed or ignored,” says Dr Hamuy Blanco. “A persistent cough, fatigue, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss are easy to dismiss as stress or a lingering illness. That delay gives TB time to spread.”
Another major barrier is interrupted treatment. Many patients begin to feel better within weeks and assume they are cured, while others struggle with side effects or the repeated visits required for monitoring and medication.
“When treatment is stopped too soon, the bacteria are not fully eliminated,” Dr Hamuy Blanco warns. “This is how drug-resistant TB develops, which is far more difficult and costly to treat. Supporting patients throughout the full course of treatment is essential, with clear communication and ongoing guidance improving adherence.”
Accessible healthcare is key to bridging the gap between awareness and action. Retail health clinics and digital health platforms are increasingly helping to make care part of people’s everyday lives. Routine touchpoints allow people to ask questions, seek advice, and act early, helping to normalise testing, reduce stigma, and support patients throughout their treatment journey.
“Care needs to fit into people’s daily lives,” Dr Hamuy Blanco concludes. “It should be easy to access, easy to understand, and supportive from start to finish. Ending tuberculosis takes more than medicine. It requires a human-centred approach that supports people from early testing through to completed treatment. By breaking down stigma and acting sooner, South Africa can move from awareness to impact.”
Saturday Star