TB was the leading cause of death for teenagers between 2008 and 2018 in SA. Find out why and what we can do to make treatment more accessible to them in this short video
04 October 2022 - 07:00
byDylan Bush & Joan van Dyk
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A researcher studying the BCG vaccine for TB examines test samples in a TASK laboratory in Cape Town. Picture: REUTERS/MIKE HUTCHINGS
TB was the leading cause of death for teenagers between 2008 and 2018 in SA.
When children hit puberty, they’re more likely to fall sick with TB because their immune systems are changing. Plus, their budding social lives and the time they spend in classrooms mean they have more chances to spread the germ to each other.
Research shows that clinics should try to adapt to be more accommodating to teens by, for instance, not scheduling appointments during school holidays, exam periods or after school.
Watch this short video and find out what else clinics can do to keep teens on their TB treatment.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
WATCH: How to keep teenagers on TB treatment
TB was the leading cause of death for teenagers between 2008 and 2018 in SA. Find out why and what we can do to make treatment more accessible to them in this short video
This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. Sign up for the newsletter.
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