Eastern Cape to Host World TB Day Event in Chris Hani District

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has announced that the province will host its official World TB Day commemoration in the Chris Hani District, bringing together government leaders, healthcare workers, and communities in a united effort to tackle one of South Africa’s most serious public health challenges.

Main Event Set for Cala

The main provincial event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 28 March 2026, at the Cala Indoor Sport Centre in the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, starting at 10:00.

The commemoration is being organised in partnership with the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC), alongside a wide range of stakeholders from government and civil society.

The programme is championed by Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane in his role as Chairperson of the ECAC.

A Unified Call to End TB

This year’s commemoration will take place under the global theme:

“Yes! We Can End TB”

This is supported by the provincial message:

“You and I Can End TB.”

While World TB Day is globally marked on 24 March each year, the Eastern Cape has extended its programme of activities, culminating in the Cala event to strengthen awareness and response efforts across communities.

TB Still a Major Threat

Tuberculosis remains a serious public health concern in South Africa, continuing to be the leading infectious cause of death in the country.

Globally, the disease claims approximately 1.5 million lives each year, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

In the Eastern Cape, the situation is further complicated by:

• High rates of TB and HIV co-infection
• The growing threat of drug-resistant TB
• Ongoing challenges with treatment adherence
• Socio-economic factors affecting healthcare access

These challenges continue to place pressure on the province’s health system.

Progress Made, But Gaps Remain

Health authorities say progress has been made through:

• Improved diagnostic capacity
• Expansion of innovative treatment approaches
• Implementation of the National TB Recovery Plan

However, officials acknowledge that key gaps remain, particularly in:

• Early detection of TB cases
• Continuity of care
• Community-level interventions

There are also concerns about increasing numbers of patients lost to follow-up, which has made the Chris Hani District a strategic focus area for this year’s commemoration.

Free Health Services for Communities

Residents attending the event will have access to a wide range of free integrated health services, including:

• TB screening and testing
• HIV testing
• Screening for diabetes and hypertension
• Eye health services
• Cancer screening

This integrated approach aims to provide accessible, people-centred healthcare and address multiple health needs in one setting.

Multi-Sector Response

The event will bring together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including:

• The Office of the Premier
• Government departments
• District and local municipalities
• Civil society organisations
• Traditional leaders
• Private sector partners

Officials say this reflects the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to effectively combat TB.

Community Impact

For residents in the Chris Hani District, the event is expected to play a key role in:

• Increasing awareness about TB prevention and treatment
• Encouraging early testing and diagnosis
• Strengthening community involvement in the fight against TB

Health authorities have emphasised that ending TB will require collective action from both government and communities.