The government officials South Africa have reaffirmed their dedication to ending tuberculosis (TB) by joining the international Barcelona Declaration on Tuberculosis. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Thoko Didiza, and Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, signed the declaration at Parliament, symbolizing South Africa’s strong commitment to achieving TB eradication in South Africa within a generation.
During her address, the Speaker emphasized that TB remains one of the world’s most persistent health challenges despite being preventable and curable. She called on parliaments worldwide to advocate for increased government investments and stronger partnerships with global health organizations to advance research, diagnosis, and equitable healthcare access.
The event also marked the launch of the South African TB Parliamentary Caucus, attended by representatives from SADC nations, including Lesotho and Zambia. This regional collaboration highlights Africa’s shared responsibility in tackling TB through policy advocacy, awareness campaigns, and improved healthcare access.
The Barcelona Declaration—endorsed globally—recognizes TB as a leading infectious killer, claiming 1.5 million lives annually. It urges governments to:
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Increase investment in TB prevention and treatment.
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Promote affordable healthcare for all.
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Support research into new TB drugs and vaccines.
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Strengthen care integration for co-infections like HIV.
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Empower communities to fight stigma and enhance treatment adherence.
By joining the global parliamentary caucus, South Africa commits to working alongside the WHO, Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, and other global health organizations to drive sustained progress. The Speaker reiterated that this milestone aligns with the nation’s health equity goals and demonstrates South Africa’s role in advancing universal health access.
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This story was first reported by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. Read the full article here.
