South Africa's Parliament signed the Barcelona Declaration on Tuesday, marking a major commitment to eliminate tuberculosis within one generation. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi led the ceremony, which also relaunched the country's TB Parliamentary Caucus with support from neighboring nations. The declaration addresses tuberculosis as a global priority, noting the disease causes 1.5 million deaths annually worldwide.
Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death in South Africa, killing approximately 56,000 people in 2023 despite significant progress in detection and treatment. The nation reports about 304,000 new cases each year, with more than half of TB patients also living with HIV. South Africa has reduced new infections by 50 percent since 2015 and achieved a 79 percent cure rate through the implementation of improved diagnostic methods and community-based care programs.
The signing ceremony brought together health committee leaders from Lesotho and Zambia, demonstrating regional cooperation through the Southern African Development Community. Didiza emphasized Parliament's role in mobilizing society and advocating for increased government investment in disease prevention and control. The declaration commits signatories to support research, ensure equitable access to diagnosis and treatment, and coordinate care for related conditions such as HIV and diabetes.
Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death in South Africa, killing approximately 56,000 people in 2023 despite significant progress in detection and treatment. The nation reports about 304,000 new cases each year, with more than half of TB patients also living with HIV. South Africa has reduced new infections by 50 percent since 2015 and achieved a 79 percent cure rate through the implementation of improved diagnostic methods and community-based care programs.
The signing ceremony brought together health committee leaders from Lesotho and Zambia, demonstrating regional cooperation through the Southern African Development Community. Didiza emphasized Parliament's role in mobilizing society and advocating for increased government investment in disease prevention and control. The declaration commits signatories to support research, ensure equitable access to diagnosis and treatment, and coordinate care for related conditions such as HIV and diabetes.
