Chair, the ACDP welcomes this debate about the TB pandemic, particularly when seen against the Covid-19 outbreak. While there has been an understandable global alarm and concern about the corona virus, with various countries in lockdown, it is important to see this virus in perspective in South Africa, without detracting from its seriousness.
As of yesterday, there were around 4 800 deaths from corona virus worldwide. Compare this to the staggering levels of TB in South Africa. It is the leading cause of death in South Africa with 63 000 people dying in 2018. That is approximately 172 persons today. Why then is there not a similar outcry and even outrage about the soaring levels of TB in our country, particularly as it is fully treatable as a bacterial disease? We can and must do more.
At the forefront of the fight against TB are of course the brave doctors and nurses at both primary and secondary level. The ACDP recently visited the Brooklyn Chest Hospital, a centre of excellence in the treatment of TB. We want to pay tribute to the nursing staff at this facility, and indeed, at other facilities across the country that are committed to treating patients with TB, including of course the extreme drug-resistant, DR, patients.
Poverty clearly contributes to the spread of TB, and that maybe the case with Covid-19. Many of our impoverished living in crowded housing conditions, have to use crowded buses, taxis and trains to commute. Our poor are also less likely to seek care or complete their course of medication. Poor nutrition can also reduce one's chances of being cured. However, because TB is largely curable, it is, from the ACDP's perspective, incomprehensible that so many South Africans are still dying from it.
In addition, those who suffer from TB and/or HIV are higher risk of contracting Covid-19, given their compromised respiratory and immune systems.
What then should our response be? We support the calls to clean our hands, washing them with soap and water, and cover our mouths when coughing or sneezing, try to build up our immune systems, and get quality sleep and exercise. If you feel sick, call the helpline and get aid. This will of course reduce the spread of the corona virus and TB.
Lastly, in addition to these commonsense steps and precautions, we who are believers in this nation need to emulate Jesus, particularly who taught us to love and care for those who are sick and suffering. Let us not allow fear and panic. Remember God's Word in Psalm 91: "If you place your trust in the Lord, no evil shall befall you; nor shall any plague come near your dwelling."
Take precautions. Do not be fearful or anxious, "for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." I thank you.
IsiZulu: