As the #SATBConference2026 comes to an end, @twice_m5099, Policy and Advocacy Officer at @TBAC_sa, reflected on the people at the heart of the #TB response, reminding delegates that the fight against #TB extends far beyond conference discussions and into communities across the country. “Beyond the presentations and discussions lies a painful reality: people in rural communities are still losing their lives to a preventable and treatable disease.” She stressed that the voices of affected communities, rural healthcare workers and traditional leaders must remain at the centre of #TB policy, funding and action. “Most importantly, I am attending this TB Conference for those most affected by TB—the families, friends and communities who carry the burden of this disease every day...Ending TB starts with listening to and investing in the people most affected by it.” #EndTB #CommunityVoices #HealthEquity #RuralHealth @MRCza @ConferenceTb @HST_health @HealthZA @StopTB @TBHIVCare @AHRI_News

Presenting on Targeted Universal TB Testing (TUTT), Prof. Martinson highlighted the need to move beyond symptom-based screening and adopt more proactive approaches to finding people with #TB. He argued that testing high-risk groups earlier could help identify cases that are often missed, making better use of South Africa's existing diagnostic and laboratory systems to get people diagnosed and treated sooner. “Why don't we just test everybody who is at high risk? Forget about asking about symptoms-just test them.” TUTT refers to a testing strategy that offers TB tests to people at high risk of the disease, regardless of whether they have symptoms, to help find cases earlier and start treatment sooner. @ConferenceTb @TBProof @TheUnion_TBLH @HealthZA @SA_AIDSCOUNCIL @CsfSanac @MRCza @realTBpeople @isivivanacentre @IDevep909 @SoulCity_SA @iasociety @RHAPnews

Sharing her lived experience at the #SATBConference2026, Ntswaki Mosia-Motaung reflected on her #TB journey, which began in February 2009 when what initially seemed like a persistent cough linked to a new environment in Pretoria gradually worsened. After seeking medical care and undergoing further testing, she was eventually diagnosed with #TB and started treatment. She completed her treatment and recovered. However, in 2014, she was diagnosed with #TB again and was placed on a six-month treatment regimen, which she also completed. Today, she says she is alive because of timely treatment, supportive healthcare workers and a strong support system. Her #TB experience now drives her advocacy, as she encourages others to test early, start treatment and complete the full course. @TBProof @SA_AIDSCOUNCIL @CsfSanac @StopTB @HealthZA @ConferenceTb

With only 3 days to go until the 9th #SATBConference2026, @TBAC_sa is looking forward to hosting an important discussion on the role of #TB champions in strengthening South Africa’s #TB response. #TB champions will share their lived experiences, reflecting on how they have used their personal journeys to raise awareness, support their communities, challenge stigma and contribute to efforts to fight #TB in the country. Don't miss this satellite session as we unpack the impact of community-led advocacy and the need for community-centred TB responses. @ConferenceTb @TBProof @HealthZA @GautengHealth @SECTION27news @SAHRCommission @SoulCity_SA @GlobalTBCaucus @SA_AIDSCOUNCIL @CsfSanac @StopTB @realTBpeople @FASTPrEPstudy @FastTrackTBCure @AquitySA