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Science In Action: Tackling tuberculosis in South Africa

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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)

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