Paul Mashatile Calls for Renewed Global Push to End TB

Mashatile reflected on South Africa’s journey in tackling TB and HIV, recalling how the country faced a severe TB epidemic in the mid-2000s, compounded by rising HIV infections.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for stronger global and national action to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), saying the fight against the disease requires continued solidarity, innovation and commitment from governments, health workers, researchers and communities.

Speaking at the closing plenary of the 9th South African TB Conference in Boksburg, Gauteng, Mashatile said ending TB within this generation is achievable if all sectors work together to address both the disease and the conditions that fuel its spread.

South Africa Shows Progress but Challenges Remain

Mashatile reflected on South Africa's journey in tackling TB and HIV, recalling how the country faced a severe TB epidemic in the mid-2000s, compounded by rising HIV infections. The response shifted towards integrated healthcare strategies, community-based interventions and stronger collaboration between government, researchers and civil society.

That approach has produced significant results. Since 2015, South Africa has reduced TB incidence by 61%, surpassing the World Health Organization's 2025 target ahead of schedule. Annual cases have fallen from more than 500,000 in 2015 to around 249,000 in 2024.

The Deputy President described this achievement as evidence of strong political leadership, scientific advances and community resilience. Despite this progress, he warned that TB-related deaths have declined by only 17% over the same period, well below the targeted 50% reduction.

Innovation Driving the TB Response

South Africa continues to strengthen its response through technology and data-driven decision-making. One of the latest developments is the launch of a public TB data dashboard, designed to improve transparency and help health authorities target interventions more effectively.

The country has also been among the first globally to adopt faster and more advanced TB diagnostic technologies, improving the ability to detect infections early and begin treatment sooner.

Additional innovations include targeted universal TB testing, which ensures that high-risk groups such as people living with HIV and close contacts of TB patients are routinely screened regardless of symptoms.

Mashatile said these measures demonstrate South Africa's commitment to modernizing healthcare services and improving outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Tackling the Root Causes of TB

The Deputy President emphasized that ending TB requires more than medical treatment alone. Poverty, inequality, limited education and other social factors continue to contribute to the spread of the disease.

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to introducing new TB vaccines as soon as they become available, while continuing to strengthen prevention, diagnosis and treatment programmes.

Mashatile said the next phase of the country's response must focus on people-centred healthcare, stronger community involvement and greater accountability at all levels. He urged government institutions, healthcare workers, researchers and communities to work together to ensure that progress against TB translates into lasting change.

The conference reinforced the importance of closing diagnostic gaps, improving treatment outcomes and addressing the social and economic conditions that allow TB to persist. Mashatile concluded by calling on every sector of society to play a role in achieving a future free from tuberculosis.