World TB Day 2026

South Africa remains one of the countries most affected by tuberculosis (TB), contributing significantly to the global burden of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report, approximately 280,000 people develop TB annually in South Africa. Despite being curable and preventable, TB continues to claim thousands of lives, often due to delays in diagnosis, ongoing transmission, and challenges in accessing the care people are entitled to.

This World TB Day, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) aims to raise awareness about the ongoing TB epidemic and encourage all South Africans to take action in preventing, testing, and treating the disease. Through resources such as our Understanding TB and PMB entitlements webpage, CMS seeks to address confusion around medical scheme benefits, promote early diagnosis, and reduce the spread of TB in communities across the country.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when a person with lung TB coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings.

• TB mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), which is the most common and infectious form
• If untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, spine, brain, and kidneys. This is known as extra-pulmonary TB.

It is more common in men, particularly those aged 35 – 44, and in older adults (65+). TB cases in young people (15 – 24 years) and the elderly are often underreported, making early diagnosis and awareness all the more crucial. The good news is that TB is preventable, treatable, and curable, but only if we act early. If you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss and fever, you should get tested immediately.

What is covered under PMB level of care

TB is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition. This means your medical scheme is legally required to fund the diagnosis, treatment, and care of TB in line with the National Department of Health (NDoH) guidelines.

As a medical scheme member, your cover must include:

• Diagnostic investigations such as radiology and pathology tests.
• Acute medical management and hospitalisation for acute TB, TB meningitis and cases where surgery is required.
• Transfer to maintenance therapy in accordance with NDoH guidelines.
• Screening and preventive treatment for HIV-positive members.

You can receive TB treatment in the private sector through PMB level of care, but to avoid delays or unexpected costs, it’s important to:

• Use Designated Service Providers (DSPs) where required and ensure that claims are submitted with the correct diagnosis codes.

• Know your entitlement to private care with providers that participate in Public–Private Mix (PPM) programmes, while still accessing free medication through public programmes like the National TB Programme (NTP) when needed.

This World TB Day, the CMS encourages all members to understand their PMB benefits, follow the correct processes, and seek care early. Download the CMScript on TB and visit our dedicated TB webpage for more information.