The Western Cape is making good progress since its launch of the Multi-Sectoral Emergency Response Plan to TB on April 28.
The committee reported back on developments in establishing a public-facing TB dashboard, similar to the one the province has with COVID-19.
This dashboard has become a critical feature in monitoring TB infections as well as ensuring that the response plan is effectively implemented.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who chaired the Provincial Council on AIDS and Tuberculosis (PCAT) indicated that addressing the TB epidemic in the province is a priority for the healthcare system but their response to TB, however, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we have had to deescalate healthcare services to ensure an agile response. The response plan aims to get our TB response on track, promote transparency and digitise our response,” Winde said
Winde also commended the PCAT on the impressive work that they are doing in implementing the TB response plan including the role that civil society is playing in the matter.
“I want to especially acknowledge TB/HIV Care, who have played a pivotal role in implementing the TB response plan,” Winde added.
The province’s TB statistics:
- The percentage of all patients started on TB treatment is 92%
- The TB treatment success rate is currently 79%
- The rate of successfully treating patients with multidrug-resistant TB is 60%
- The TB death rate is 3%
- Our TB screening rate for the 5 years and older presenting with symptoms is 59%
- Our TB screening rate for the children below 5 years presenting with symptoms is 71%
- The rate of TB patients lost to follow up is 18%
Meanwhile, the Western Cape reported 15 668 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number of 316 294 COVID-19 cases and 288 430 recoveries as of Friday, June 25.
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Picture: Cape {town } etc gallery