Today (24 May) is World Tuberculosis Day.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is one of the biggest causes of death in South Africa. It is a communicable disease that is airborne, spread by small sputum particles through sneezing and coughing. Pulmonary TB, which is the most common type of TB, can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, by checking symptoms, collecting sputum, and doing a laboratory test (and a chest X-ray if necessary). Symptoms include body aches, chills, fever, weakness, and unintentional weight loss.
Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Andrew Crouch emphasised the importance of continuous awareness campaigns, not only around TB but all other general wellness practices related to all communicable diseases. With regard to employee wellness and primary healthcare, SPU is continuously and actively involved in creating awareness among the University community. Among the initiatives undertaken are the First Things First (FTF) Campaigns, which has seen large-scale events organised on campus for both staff and students every term to ensure that screening takes place. Information on TB and available treatment options is also made available.
Poverty and inequality, which are high in Kimberley and across the Northern Cape, are serious factors that increase the likelihood of contracting TB. “Although TB remains one of the world’s deadliest communicable diseases, it has been put on the back burner as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Prof Crouch said. “The University is fortunate to not have incidences of TB outbreaks, but although the incidence at SPU is low, this does not mean that we should neglect creating awareness of the risk.”
The University has embarked on campaigns such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge and the Chancellor’s Golf Day to promote healthy living and general wellness, with more and similar community-focussed events in the pipeline. These events help to promote healthy living and normalise campaigns of general wellness across the University and among its various stakeholders, including the wider community.
Prof Crouch advised the University community to take general wellness seriously, and recently appointed an employee wellness practitioner to assist in information-sharing and awareness. “Through active engagement and education, we can reduce the stigma associated with communicable diseases. Just as with the massive consolidative campaigns related to COVID-19, a lot can be done to ensure that we educate people that TB too can be treated and cured. The importance here is the manner in which we treat someone.”
In conversation with Sister Danelia McCarthy, Acting Manager: Health, and Ms Eldene Braaf, Senior Officer: Employee Wellness, staff and students are encouraged to speak up and get screened regularly. This will ensure they get equitable access to prevention, treatment and support, which will save lives and reduce stigmatisation.
