We celebrated the World TB Day (#WTBD) event we hosted at the Isivivana Centre in partnership with Vuka Research Clinic and the UCT Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM).

The community-focused event brought together global researchers attending the Keystone Symposium tuberculosis meeting held in Cape Town. Opening remarks were delivered by the Isivivana Centre Director, Bulelwa Ndibongo, followed by reflections from Eh!woza co-director Dr Tasha Koch, Site Director of Vuka Research Clinic Dr Amy Ward, and Director of IDM, Prof Digby Warner.

A highlight of the programme was the keynote address delivered by Prof Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the SA Medical Research Council. Prof Ntusi spoke passionately and deeply about what is needed to end TB, the dangers of stigma, and the potential of scientists and the most affected people working together.

The programme also featured short talks by both researchers and community members, including Dr Naomi Okugbeni, Prof Adrie Steyn, Prof Dmytro Butov, Jessica Ndengane, Thandokazi Lulonke Enzokuhle Njamela, and Luvuyo Mboxela.

These talks set the scene for a rich discussion between Khayelitsha residents in attendance and researchers. Themes that emerged included recurrent TB, lack of knowledge about TB within communities, challenges in adhering to TB treatment, and motivations for residents to join clinical research.

As Prof Ntusi said in his address, “Healing is not just about medicine. Healing is about people. Healing is about someone saying, ‘I see you. I am with you. You will get through this.’ Sometimes, that is where healing truly begins.” The event did just that. We saw each other, reflecting the power of humanity that Prof Max Gutierrez captured in his closing remarks.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to spend the afternoon with us in Khayelitsha and shared so generously. These kinds of events deepened our understanding of TB from multiple perspectives as we work to #ENDTB.

Acknowledgements: Tasha Koch, Digby Warner, Keystone Symposium tuberculosis meeting, Ntobeko Ntusi, UCT Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Amy Ward, Thandokazi Lulonke Enzokuhle Njamela, Prof Max Gutierrez, Jessica Ndengane, Isivivana Centre, Naomi Okugbeni, Dmytro Butov, Adrie Steyn, Luvuyo Mboxela, Bulelwa Ndibongo, Vuka Research Clinic, Mbali Beryl Jiyane, Len Nox Zwelly Nxunxu, Alfa Fipaza, Usisibusiso Mqina, Ntando Yola, Margaret McCluskey, Terry Kipkorir, Boniwe Ncethelo, Edward Nguni.

Ehwoza added photos to the album: EH!WOZA| WTBD KEYSTONE EVENT | 2026