The TB cure rate increased significantly from 32 percent in 2004/5 to 51,8% in 2005/6 and the smear conversion rate improved to 44,4 percent in 2006/7. However, both indicators are still below the national average and the TB control programme requires much more attention, researchers said.
Mpumalanga’s health sector has on many occasions hit the headlines for the wrong reasons whether it be due to political interference with the HIV programme or more recently having to close certain after-hours services because of a lack of doctors.
Mpumalanga remained one of the worst performers in the District Health Barometer.
The proportion of antenatal care clients tested for HIV improved during the past year to 58,2 percent, but was still the lowest in the country in 2006/7. Data for nevirapine uptake was inconsistent making it impossible for researchers to assess the prevention of mother to child programme, an important part of the HIV prevention strategy.
Ehlanzeni district remained one of the worst resourced areas in the country despite increasing its primary health care expenditure to R184 per person.
In Gert Sibande district, which has the smallest population in the province, only one in five clinics received regular supervision, which is a prerequisite for improvement of all round quality.
Despite many improvements in various programmes in Gert Sibande, including TB and antenatal care, it still remained one of the worst performing districts in the country.
Nkangala continued to be the worst performing TB district in South Africa for the second year running. Both the TB cure rate and smear conversion rates improved to 31,4 percent and 34,1 percent respectively, but remain grossly inadequate. ‘This programme needs urgent attention,’ researchers said.
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