A traditional healer waits her turn to sign the pledge and join the TB/HIV
working group in her district of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
As part of the build up to world TB day on March 24th, the project has been conducting community dialogues in conjunction with provincial and district level health departments. These dialogues are an advocacy intervention that encourage community leaders to participate actively in TB control in their district. Representatives from religious sector, traditional healers, ward councillors NGO’s and district health department attend and devise solutions for TB/HIV in their areas. Commitment of resources occurs and an action plan is formulated. The project supports activities identified that aim to raise public awareness in order to improve case detection and treatment adherence, combat stigma and discrimination, empowering people affected by TB. The TB/HIV support groups will also encourage uptake of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in TB patients.
Community Dialogues are planned in each district every second quarter.