Tubercoulosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death in South Africa, even though it’s curable.  That’s why it’s so important to break the stigma and raise awareness about this illness, so people are more willing to get diagnosed and treated. Here are 4 celebrities who have conquered TB and use their platforms to raise awareness.

Miss SA 2018, Tamaryn Green

Image source: Instagram

As a TB survivor herself, former Miss SA, Tamaryn Green, is raising awareness through her #breakthestigma campaign. With support from the WHO, her campaign aims to support and raise awareness of global and national TB campaigns, with the hope that people suffering from the disease will be able to access treatment without fear of being stigmatised.

Gerry Elsdon

Image source: Instagram

Gerry Elsdon was diagnosed with TB of the womb in 2002 and has been publicly raising awareness about the disease for 17 years. In a country where TB is highly stigmatised, Gerry helps people who are suffering from it to realise that they are not alone, and that theres no shame in sharing the impact that TB has had in their lives.

Thabo Pelesane

Image source: Instagram

Thabo Pelesane has openly acknowledged that his failure to adhere to his TB treatment after he was first diagnosed in 1994 probably led to him being diagnosed with TB again in 1995, 1998, 2005 and 2008. Through this experience, he now advocates the importance of adhering to TB treatment.

Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu

Image source: Times Live

Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu, (son of King Goodwill Zwelithini), was diagnosed with TB in 2010, spending three months in hospital before having one of his lungs surgically removed. He openly shares his story on many public platforms.

All these ambassadors have one thing is common – the belief that TB is not spoken about enough to encourage treatment and to break the stigma. We need to raise more awareness around TB so that people are encouraged to get diagnosed and start treatment without feeling ashamed. The stigma around TB makes disclosure to families and friends very difficult and often discourages patients from taking their treatment. We need to ensure we break the stigma by educating ourselves and others,  and more importantly supporting one another.

Remember, if you or a friend need someone to talk to, you can speak to me for advice or help here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Tubercoulosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death in South Africa, even though it’s curable.  That’s why it’s so important to break the stigma and raise awareness about this illness, so people are more willing to get diagnosed and treated. Here are 4 celebrities who have conquered TB and use their platforms to raise awareness.

Miss SA 2018, Tamaryn Green

Image source: Instagram

As a TB survivor herself, former Miss SA, Tamaryn Green, is raising awareness through her #breakthestigma campaign. With support from the WHO, her campaign aims to support and raise awareness of global and national TB campaigns, with the hope that people suffering from the disease will be able to access treatment without fear of being stigmatised.

Gerry Elsdon

Image source: Instagram

Gerry Elsdon was diagnosed with TB of the womb in 2002 and has been publicly raising awareness about the disease for 17 years. In a country where TB is highly stigmatised, Gerry helps people who are suffering from it to realise that they are not alone, and that theres no shame in sharing the impact that TB has had in their lives.

Thabo Pelesane

Image source: Instagram

Thabo Pelesane has openly acknowledged that his failure to adhere to his TB treatment after he was first diagnosed in 1994 probably led to him being diagnosed with TB again in 1995, 1998, 2005 and 2008. Through this experience, he now advocates the importance of adhering to TB treatment.

Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu

Image source: Times Live

Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu, (son of King Goodwill Zwelithini), was diagnosed with TB in 2010, spending three months in hospital before having one of his lungs surgically removed. He openly shares his story on many public platforms.

All these ambassadors have one thing is common – the belief that TB is not spoken about enough to encourage treatment and to break the stigma. We need to raise more awareness around TB so that people are encouraged to get diagnosed and start treatment without feeling ashamed. The stigma around TB makes disclosure to families and friends very difficult and often discourages patients from taking their treatment. We need to ensure we break the stigma by educating ourselves and others,  and more importantly supporting one another.

Remember, if you or a friend need someone to talk to, you can speak to me for advice or help here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).