Original version

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

Science in Action

Science In Action

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

The BBC brings you all the week's science news.

No Master Brand

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC Afghan Radio

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Science In Action: Tackling tuberculosis in South Africa

Magazines & Reviews

Tackling tuberculosis in South Africa

04/01/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Tackling tuberculosis in South Africa

Fighting a disease that has become South Africa's biggest killer

Tuberculosis is the biggest killer in South Africa. This week, Roland Pease meets some of the scientists who are spearheading efforts to help tackle the disease.

In this episode of Science in Action, we find out that tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death in South Africa.  

After visiting a clinic dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of TB, Roland Pease meets researcher Professor Grant Theron at Stellenbosch University, who explains why the disease is still so prevalent.  

Next we hear from Professor Novel Chegou and his student Candice Snyders, also based at Stellenbosch University. They are researching biomarkers to diagnose tuberculosis and have already successfully developed a rapid finger-prick test to identify TB.  

Roland then chats to vaccine researcher Professor Thomas Scriba at the University of Cape Town, who reveals more about the current landscape of TB vaccination. 

Presenter: Roland Pease  
Producer: Ella Hubber  
Editor: Martin Smith  
Production co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

(Photo: Frontline healthcare workers wear a protective mask and tb mask to prevent the spread of airborne disease. Credit: stockstudioX/Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Science In Action

Tackling tuberculosis in South Africa

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

About BBC World Service