The Gauteng government is expected to observe World Stop TB Day in the mining town of Merafong in the West Rand today.
This is to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment of Tuberculosis .
Gauteng Health Department spokesperson Motaletale Modiba says the commemoration, which will include TB screenings and HIV testing, will be held in Merafong.
This is due to the high prevalence of TB in mines and mining communities.
The West Rand in particular because the West Rand District is home to some of Gauteng's largest gold mining operations and has a TB incidence rate of 544 per 100 000 in the mining sector, which is significantly higher than the national average of 270 per 100 000. The province hopes to ensure that we accelerate the TB and HIV screening services among communities, particularly in those mining communities, adds Modiba.