The Mpumalanga Provincial Government hosted its annual World TB Day
commemoration event on March 24 in Thulamahashe, Bushbuckridge Local
Municipality. This year’s theme was “Yes! We can end TB.”

Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-
San Leaders, urged community members to be vigilant about TB symptoms and to
regularly visit clinics for check-ups to prevent contracting the disease. He also called for
supporting those infected with TB, HIV and AIDS.

In her keynote address, Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane emphasized
that TB remains a major concern for the provincial government. She encouraged
eliminating the stigma associated with TB and HIV/AIDS, stating that people should not
shame patients suffering from these diseases.

Mtshweni-Tsipane further underscored that TB is curable and implored people to collect
their medication from clinics. Her remarks highlighted the government’s commitment to
tackling the ongoing public health challenge posed by TB in the province.

While progress has been made, the event spotlighted that more efforts are needed from
both officials and citizens to reduce TB prevalence through awareness, prevention,
treatment adherence and compassion for those affected.