Everybody Breathes: Treating TB in Eshowe, South Africa

South Africa

In South Africa, we respond to disease epidemics, such as HIV and tuberculosis, and assist migrants with access to healthcare.

We work with undocumented people and migrants in Tshwane, where we run a project that provides access to medical care for these underserved communities.

MSF teams also respond to emergencies, such as flash floods in KwaZulu-Natal province and in the aftermath of violence.

In KwaZulu-Natal province, our project’s community-oriented approach is to increase integrated HIV testing and TB screening, as well as access and adherence to HIV treatment. We also advocate for better access and pricing to new drugs and vaccines.

Our activities in 2021 in South Africa

Data and information from the International Activity Report 2021.

MSF in South Africa in 2021 In South Africa, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supported the COVID-19 response, while continuing to provide care for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) patients, victims of sexual violence and vulnerable migrants.
media:orange_logic_image:3ae740f1-f235-4a7a-892b-bf1dc95676a6

MSF’s project in Eshowe, Mbongolwane and Ngwelezane in KwaZulu-Natal province responded to two major COVID-19 waves in 2021, by sending doctors and nurses to work in the COVID-19 wards of five hospitals. The project’s TB activities were closed for a week in July due to widespread social unrest in the province, in which more than 300 people died. In the immediate aftermath, we launched an emergency response, providing first aid and essential items such as blankets and hygiene kits, to support affected communities and health facilities.

To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns on the uptake of TB services, our HIV/TB project in Khayelitsha, in Western Cape province, provided home-based care to patients. We also gave TB preventive treatment to more than 150 individuals who were exposed to the disease in their homes. 

In the cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg, where we run a migrant health project, we supported COVID-19 vaccination activities for undocumented people. For these marginalised groups, the lack of any identifying documentation poses a barrier to healthcare. To facilitate better access to medical services, we worked with our partners to develop ‘Green Book’ healthcare cards, which are recognised by local health authorities in lieu of identifying documentation. 

In June, we handed over our sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) project in Rustenburg on South Africa’s Platinum Belt to the provincial health department. Recognising the need for a better medical and psychological response to rape, MSF teams developed community-based health hubs, which provided care to thousands of SGBV victims. The project additionally supported safe abortion care in Bojanala district, with our staff performing thousands of abortion procedures between 2018 and 2021. 
 

 

in 2021
 
South Africa

Disruptions in HIV drug supplies and funding endanger patient lives

Press Release 17 Jul 2009
 
Zimbabwe

No Refuge, Access Denied: Medical and Humanitarian Needs of Zimbabweans in South Africa

Report 4 Jun 2009
 
South Africa

Zimbabwean nightmare of neglect continues in South Africa

Press Release 2 Jun 2009
 
South Africa

Forced closure of 'Refugee Reception Office' further endangers health of vulnerable Zimbabweans in South Africa

Press Release 4 Mar 2009
 
South Africa

MSF increases role as Zimbabwe's cholera outbreak crosses into South Africa

Project Update 22 Dec 2008
 
South Africa

Targets of xenophobia ousted from camps in South Africa

Project Update 2 Oct 2008
 
Zimbabwe

MSF calls upon South African authorities to immediately stop deportation of Zimbabweans

Press Release 28 Jun 2008
 
South Africa

Relocation process exacerbates trauma of displaced people in South Africa

Press Release 2 Jun 2008
 
South Africa

MSF responds to outbreaks of violence in Johannesburg

Project Update 20 May 2008

Contact us

Bending the Curves - Eshowe HIV
MSF South Africa

7th Floor, Zurich House
70 Fox Street, Marshalltown
Johannesburg
South Africa