The Free State Department of Health has launched an intensified “End TB” campaign in Welkom, targeting 22 000 patients who defaulted on tuberculosis treatment and current and former mine workers in the Lejweleputswa district. Residents are being screened and tested for the disease. Officials emphasise early detection to curb its spread.
The Free State Department of Health is addressing about 22 000 tuberculosis patients who have defaulted on treatment, a behaviour that strains efforts to combat the deadly disease. The provincial “End TB” campaign, now underway in Welkom, extends screening and testing services to everyone, with a focus on mine workers in the Lejweleputswa district.
Current and former miners have turned out for medical check-ups, citing long-term exposure risks. Goodman Janda, 64, who worked in mines from 1972 to 2015, said: “I’m not well; I can hear it in my voice. I’m losing it because I’m sick, and I’m also losing weight.” Another ex-miner, diagnosed with silicosis via X-ray after working from 1980 to 2014, attended after hearing about the checks.
TB survivor Sbatha Malefane urged testing, stating: “It’s better to know, and it’s easy to treat. TB is an infectious disease—you might have it and still be at home with your family, unknowingly infecting them. So it’s better to go to the clinic, get tested, and start treatment. To be honest, it’s just six months, and you’ll be cured.”
Free State Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi highlighted targeted outreach, including recent screenings at the Central University of Technology for women workers, and services outside normal hours. She noted a 65 per cent success rate in treating resistant TB, announced earlier this month on World TB Day. National Union of Mineworkers Free State health chairperson Lekhooa Matlali added that the campaign facilitates compensation claims by involving other departments.
