- TB was the leading cause of death for teenagers between 2008 and 2018 in South Africa.
- 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.
- Read the script here
Joan van Dyk was a health journalist, senior health journalist and news editor at Bhekisisa between 2017 and 2023.
