While scientific advances, policy reforms, governmental commitments and community-based interventions have brought us closer to our goals, much work still needs to be done! There remains a dire need for preventive measures, case finding strategies, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic tools to combat TB. But as it is known by many, the TB challenge is highly influenced by the social aspects of our society. This conference will therefore not only be about science. The Organizing Committee has devised an exciting programme that will cover diverse aspects of TB

Control. These will include tracks in Basic and Clinical Science, Epidemiological and Operational Research and Patient and Civil Society Mobilisation and Advocacy.

As with many other public health issues, the fight against TB has been impacted by recent global financial cuts. We cannot let this crisis go to waste! Instead, it should be a reason for Africa to take a lead combatting our local health challenges. The theme of the 2026 SA TB conference will therefore be: Vuka! Let’s unite towards a TB-free world!  This is a call for us to rise together and show resilience as we march towards an envisioned TB-free world!

We can achieve this with engagement of multiple stakeholders be they from government and non-governmental sectors, academia, civil society, policy makers, funders and other domains.

Welcome and have fun! May this Conference inspire us all to collaborate towards a resolve to eradicate TB!

Yours Sincerely,
Prof Mohlopheni Jackson Marakalala
Chairperson, the 9^th South African Tuberculosis Conference