The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape welcomes the provincial government’s strategy to tackle tuberculosis (TB) in the Province by using some of the innovative measures developed to curb Covid-19. The prevalence of TB in the Western Cape grew by 6% during the lockdown period of 2020, whilst the province has also recorded the highest TB count in the country.
MPP Wendy Philander says: “The provincial government’s strategy aims to screen, diagnose and treat 90% of the groups vulnerable and living with the disease. This is regarded as a global best practice informed by the UN-HIV programme that aims to bring about an HIV-free generation by 2030. It has been adapted for our province to include TB-care and treatments.
To ramp up services, the provincial government funds NPOs for reliance on Community Healthcare workers to track and trace TB cases, as well as support patients and their families in the process. The province will also provide delivery of life-saving medicines to especially vulnerable communities and those diagnosed with drug resistant TB.
As Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Health, we will invite the provincial Minister of Health to discuss this new model of care to identify any gaps in our system that may delay the process of providing assistance to these vulnerable residents.
With the high prevalence of TB, the fast-tracking strategy will further reduce conditions that are contributing to the burden of disease in the province by integrating health responses.”
As the resurgence of Covid-19 may present an additional burden on our healthcare system, it is important that we continue practicing oversight on the measures taken by government to maintain the system and provide the best possible healthcare for residents.
