On the 12th of January 2024, the SBRI team held our TB Prevention Community Launch. We had the privilege of partnering with Buffalo City Metro and we were joined by our fellow fighters against Tuberculosis and HIV; MatCH, The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, NDOH, Bumb’ingomso, and ABSA.
We were welcomed by the Ducats community in Ward 15, and had the opportunity to educate them on Tuberculosis, its spread, the signs and symptoms, and how to get tested. We discussed the current treatments and Clinical trials available, that aim to fight TB with fewer side effects and shorter treatment times. We explained how clinical trials work, and how to contact the various stakeholders, if the community members were interested in joining the study.
We had an in-depth discussion the importance of TB vaccines and were excited to learn that the community was aware of the BCG vaccine, given in the Road to health schedule. We emphasized the need to find a vaccine to fight TB, across all ages, and shared our launch of a TB vaccine trial, to do exactly that.
Our community team played an integral role in community interaction by singing with them, capturing their joy and excitement, hosting quizzes, giving prizes, and answering their questions. The people of Ward 15 shared insights into barriers to healthcare access and the challenges that they face regarding stigma and were met with support from Counsellor Mcwabeni, and the partners present
We are excited to work with the people of Ward 15, and the continue to work with the surrounding communities as we fight to eradicate the Buffalo City Metro of TB.
Every symptom identification, visit to the clinic to get tested, contact tracing and education about treatment options, old and new, and treatment completion, is a step in the right direction.