“Covid-19 is highlighting just how vulnerable people with lung diseases and weakened immune systems can be,” said dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in media statement on 19 March, ahead of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day.
World TB Day – on 24 March – came as a timely reminder of the potential impact that the Covid-19 pandemic may have on South Africans coping with TB.
The WHO stated during a virtual media briefing that TB “remains the world’s top infectious killer”. In 2018, 10 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, and 1.5 million died. In South Africa alone, 301 000 people contracted TB in 2018.
Statistics on TB in South Africa in the WHO global TB report (2018). Source: WHO (World Health Organization)
At the same time, however, the WHO noted that programmes already in place to combat TB can be leveraged to provide a more effective response to Covid-19.
According to a media release from the South African-based non-government organisation Right to Care, issued on 11 March, individuals with TB face a high risk of contracting Covid-19 and have a greater chance of experiencing complications as a result thereof.
“Patients who suffer from an existing lung disease such as TB are also at high risk, particularly those who are undiagnosed or not taking medication,” said professor Ian Sanne, CEO of Right to Care, in the statement.
It is important to not let TB awareness slip under the radar while public and media interests are focused on Covid-19, said Sandra Maritz, communications officer for the Western Cape Department of Health.
“The fight against TB is ongoing and not limited to World TB Day,” Maritz said. Therefore, the department reminds Capetonians of the importance of taking practical steps to protect themselves from the coronavirus. This includes practicing social distancing, thoroughly washing hands frequently, not touching one’s face and self-isolation if at all possible. In addition thereto, TB patients are reminded to make a conscientious effort in maintaining their medication regimens.
The same Covid-19 precautions listed above that apply to TB patients also apply to the general public. It is important to remember that a lack of compliance with treatment regimens by TB patients can have negative implications for them, due to their susceptibility to the virus. This explains why emphasis is placed on the importance of self-isolation and following the prescribed TB treatment regimen, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the nation address on 23 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to cough and sneeze into a flexed elbow or a tissue. Although this instruction was issued to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the same preventative practices apply to TB.
Thus far, a total of 554 Covid-19 cases have been reported with 0 deaths and 5 recoveries, according to minister of health, Zweli Mkhize on 24 March.
The South African Department of Health has provided the following as a 24 hour Coronavirus helpline: 0800 029 999.
South African citizens with concerns regarding TB can contact the South African National Tuberculosis Association (SANTA): 011 454 0260.
– Kirthana Pillay, Danny – B Smith, Masego Mafata, Isaac Ndlovu, Byron Latham