Mashatile concerned over stigma around TB
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed concern over the discrimination experienced by those living with TB.
Mashatile was speaking at a World TB Day event in Rustenburg on Friday.
He said factors such as discrimination limits access to TB screening, treatment and health care.
"Stigma and discrimination remain some of the hardest social and structural barriers that limit access to TB screening, treatment and care – thus compromising the lives of people who are infected and affected by TB. We think it is unacceptable that in year 2023, we are still talking about stigma.
"We should therefore collectively champion interventions against social isolation associated with TB at community level. We must also continuously maintain well-coordinated multi-sectoral interventions against stigma and discrimination in our communities."
"We will continue to work together to look at how to strengthen the systems that link people to care, strengthen the systems that keep them in care, and scale up initiatives that encourage the use of TB prevention therapy." he added
South Africa remains among the nations hardest hit by TB.
The disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country.
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