Date: 04/05/2007

Source: Department of Health

Title: Belot: Launch of Tuberculosis Free Project

Speech of the Free State MEC For Health, Mr S T Belot at the launch of TB Free Project, Indaba Lodge, Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein

Programme Director
Honoured guests
Ladies and gentlemen

In September 2004 the Free State Department of Health launched the Partnership against Tuberculosis (TB). The momentum has grown with more and more organisations putting their weight behind the fight against TB. It is a pleasure for me today to welcome the TB Free Project as a new partner to our partnership. Ladies and gentlemen, TB exists anywhere in the world and in my opinion there is a collective responsibility which touches everyone involved in the fight anywhere in the world to combat this curable disease.

It is true that whilst some partnerships have been in existence, their contribution in combating TB has not been visible and as government we have realised that we cannot win the battle alone hence we have created the three-in-one concept where there is government, civil society and the private sector involvement. Ladies and gentlemen, whilst TB diagnosis and treatment are offered free of charge at health facilities, our TB programmes are still faced with the challenges of a high defaulter rate and people with TB presenting late at health facilities. We therefore need to intensify our efforts to create awareness and mobilise the community. There is a need for massive public enlightenment. We can only fight the stigma of TB if all stakeholders pull their weight to support the TB programme just like we are doing with other health programme.

Ladies and gentlemen, I firmly believe that the TB Free Project will strengthen our TB programme through massive campaigns in order for the messages to reach the communities. I need to emphasise that without the involvement of community volunteers, our Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) project would not be possible. Since the implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy or better known as DOTS, we have experienced the realities of patients not being able to visit a health facility every day to take their medication. The DOT programme has made it easier for patients to comply with the treatment programme.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that we have to work through partners, like the TB Free Project and others to provide support to the volunteers who are responsible for the DOT project. As government we appreciate the beautiful work that is done day by day by men and women who volunteer to make a contribution to their communities by assisting those on treatment with support. The TB Free Project staff will be working with a well-established pool of volunteers in the province. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that this will simplify their work and will increase the impact of their activities.

In conclusion, I trust that we will have a fruitful and sustainable relationship with the TB Free Project and believe that through this project's contribution, we all shall soon be walking in the streets of a province free of TB.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
4 May 2007