The Western Cape Department of Health says it would now give Tuberculosis the same amount of attention – afforded to Covid-19 – to better fight the disease.

The province this week launched its TB Emergency Response Plan which will make use of technology (like SMS’s and a soon-to-be-launched TB dashboard) – and other interventions – to more aggressively fight the occurrence and spread of the lung-disease.

Head of Health, Dr. Keith Cloete says this multi-sectoral plan would also include fighting the stigma, attached to TB.

Cloete says the plan will encourage patients to be more involved in their treatment and recovery.

WATCH Press Briefing on the Western Cape Government TB Response Plan https://t.co/rwvfRbjtZw pic.twitter.com/nXeHL9Cb42

— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 28, 2021

1/3 I am pleased today to launch the WC Gov’s multi-sectoral emergency response plan to reduce the spread of Tuberculosis (TB) in the WC. This followed my commitment on World TB Day to report back on our fully-fledged action plan within one month https://t.co/tQ01eYnjwv pic.twitter.com/WiUGkhNevH

— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 28, 2021