Staff at UKZN’s Medical School benefited from a World TB Day awareness event organised by Occupational Health Nurse, Sister Nozipho Jali.

To mark World TB Day in March, Jali chose a non-scientific approach to explain the dangers of TB to staff who may not come from a health sciences background.

Nurse Zanele Mkhize from Austerville Clinic in Wentworth delivered the main awareness address, beginning with a definition of TB, highlighting symptoms and reinforcing that TB is curable when medication is taken as prescribed. She reminded attendees that several healthcare facilities offer free TB screening and testing services. She also reminded the auditorium that there are various healthcare facilities that screen and test for TB “free of charge”.

Mkhize noted that key and vulnerable populations at high risk of TB infection in South Africa include, but are not limited to, people living with HIV but those suffering from diabetes, pregnant women, communities living in informal settlements – especially near mining areas. Also affected are inmates at correctional services facilities, children and elderly people.

She encouraged TB prevention through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

A range of free health screening services were available to staff, including TB testing, eye tests, pap smears, and voluntary HIV counselling and testing.

Old Mutual representatives were also present to deliver a talk on financial wellness.

The event featured a lucky draw with gift hampers and other giveaways, making it a memorable occasion.

Similar services were offered to staff and students at a World TB Day event held on the Pietermaritzburg campus, organised by UKZN Campus Health Services.

Words and photographs: Lunga Memela