As part of Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness Month, the City of Cape Town Health Department is intensifying targeted testing among vulnerable populations, with new data showing measurable progress in reducing TB diagnoses.
Between 2021 and 2025, TB testing coverage increased significantly among high-risk groups. Monthly testing volumes rose from approximately 1 500 clients to 7 000, while the TB positivity rate declined from 20% in 2021 to 10% in 2025 — representing a 50% reduction.
These improvements align with the World Health Organization End TB Strategy, which focuses on strengthening investment in TB programmes, improving leadership coordination and accelerating access to faster diagnostic technologies.
According to Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham, expanded testing and prevention initiatives are helping communities detect TB earlier and reduce transmission.
“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,” said Higham.
“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 Close The Gap campaign, led by the National Department of Health, focuses on high-burden communities and aims to improve retention in care, expand TB testing and reduce stigma associated with the disease.
A World TB Day outreach was recently held at Harmonie Clinic in Kraaifontein, where residents accessed healthcare services and received information on TB prevention, early detection and treatment options.
Earlier this month, the National Department of Health launched the National TB Data Dashboard, a public platform designed to improve transparency and enable real-time monitoring of TB trends. The system supports improved identification of high-risk communities and helps guide targeted interventions.
With increased testing, particularly among vulnerable populations, TB cases can be identified earlier, improving treatment outcomes and reducing community transmission.
How to reduce the spread of TB:
- Keep windows open to improve ventilation
- Allow natural sunlight into your home
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Seek medical advice early if symptoms develop
- Consider testing for TB if:
- You have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB in the past 12 months
- You have had TB in the past two years
- You are living with HIV
Individuals who test negative may qualify for TB Preventive Therapy (TPT), a safe and effective treatment that helps prevent TB disease.
TB testing and TB Preventive Therapy are available free of charge at City clinics.
Residents can speak to a healthcare worker at their nearest clinic or visit the City of Cape Town website for a full list of facilities.
