Cape Town is making progress in the battle against tuberculosis, thanks to an increase in focused testing that allows health workers to spot infections sooner and lower the spread in at-risk areas, Cape {town}Etc reports.
As Tuberculosis Awareness Month continues, the City of Cape Town’s Health Department is focusing more on early screening for those most likely to be affected.
Officials say this strategy is already leading to better results, as recent data shows more people are getting tested, and the number of positive cases is decreasing, indicating that catching TB early is starting to have a real impact.
The shift marks an important moment in South Africa where TB continues to rank among the most pressing public health challenges.
Over the past four years, City clinics have dramatically increased their testing reach. Monthly screenings have grown from roughly 1 500 clients in 2021 to about 7 000 in 2025, a scale-up that health teams say reflects a deliberate move toward targeted universal testing for TB (TUTT).
At the same time, the TB positivity rate has halved, falling from 20% to 10% during the same period.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the trend shows that sustained public health investment is beginning to pay off.
‘The decrease reflects earlier detection, improved access, and strengthened community led prevention efforts. City Health has intensified targeted universal testing for TB (TUTT), one of the key activities of the Close The Gap campaign,’ she outlined.
‘We are making real progress and we need to keep up the momentum. Let’s continue to create awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, support loved ones and ensure those around us are safe and protected. It’s a step in the right direction in the fight against a disease which is preventable and curable.’
The city‘s approach aligns with the World Health Organisation’s End TB Strategy, which urges countries to strengthen leadership, support TB programs, and speed up the use of quicker diagnostic tools.
The testing drive forms part of the National Department of Health’s Close The Gap campaign, a nationwide initiative focused on high-burden communities.
During a recent World TB Day outreach at Harmonie Clinic in Kraaifontein, residents accessed multiple health services while receiving practical guidance on prevention, symptoms and treatment pathways.
A clinical medical officer addressed attendees, outlining how earlier diagnosis improves recovery rates and limits community spread.
Adding to these efforts, the National Department of Health recently introduced the National TB Data Dashboard, a public platform designed to improve transparency and allow real-time monitoring of TB trends across the country.
Health authorities believe the tool will help identify emerging hotspots faster and guide resources toward communities most in need.
Health officials emphasise that increased testing does more than generate statistics. Detecting TB sooner improves treatment success and reduces the risk of transmission within households and workplaces.
Residents are encouraged to seek testing if they:
- Have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB in the past 12 months
- Had TB within the last two years
- Are living with HIV
Testing and TB Preventive Therapy (TPT), where applicable, are offered free at City clinics.
Public health teams continue to stress everyday prevention measures, including:
- Keeping windows open for ventilation
- Allowing natural sunlight indoors
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Seeking medical advice early when feeling unwell
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