Combating drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa: strategies, challenges, and progress
Keywords:
drug-resistant tuberculosis, strategies, challenges, progressAbstract
South Africa faces a critical challenge with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), which includes high rates of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). Recent innovations in treatment, particularly the all-oral bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid (BPaL) and bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, moxifloxacin (BPaLM) regimens, and evidence from studies on extended bedaquiline use and paediatric therapies, show promise in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing treatment duration. This review explores South Africa’s approach to DR-TB treatment, diagnostics, and strategic initiatives, examining challenges such as patient adherence, infrastructure limitations, and socioeconomic obstacles. We highlight the progress made and the potential for further advances through collaborative research and supportive healthcare policies.