SANTA – Port Elizabeth

SANTA PE – we support the nutritional and welfare needs of TB Patients on out-patient treatment at 22 of the Primary Health Care Clinics in the Metro.

The theme of World TB Day on 24th March 2021 is “The Clock is ticking”- it is time to keep our promises. It’s time to #end TB.

As with most other NPO entities, the worldwide Corona Virus pandemic and the subsequent hard lockdown adversely affected the routine functioning and funding income stream of SANTA PE.

The SANTA PE Office, was unable to procure, nor deliver nor issue the fortified meal (e’Pap) to TB patients for 8 months in 2020. It is also well documented that the increase in the unemployment rate and increased poverty and stress due to the economic downturn will lead to an increase in the number of positive TB cases in the months to come.

SANTA PE, during the lockdown, was unable to make the usual applications and approaches to secure funding for the ongoing procurement of the daily meal for patients. The current funding only allows the purchase of vastly reduced quantities thus restricting the number of TB patients who received an issue of porridge.

TB is a curable disease if patients adhere fully to the course of treatment.

TB patients who take their daily medication on an empty stomach have proven to default their course of treatment more often than those who enjoy a morning meal before taking their medication. Defaulting TB treatment leads to TB resistance which takes longer to treat and is more expensive.

Currently, we provide a fortified nutritional supplement for underweight TB patients, adults, and children
We also collect good used clothing for redistribution to the TB patient and family

LIST OF NEEDS: