More than 400 years ago, over 15 million men, women and children were victims to this ‘triangular trade’, being deported from their homes and sold into the trading system
24 TB Awareness Month - TB Day
Each year, Tuberculosis (TB) causes thousands of deaths globally. Tuberculosis (TB) is the second-most deadly infectious disease in the world, with HIV/AIDS standing as the first. In South Africa, the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 indicated that around 360 000 were ill with TB in 2019. This is a 20% increase since estimated 301 000 of 2018. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been estimated that there’s been an increase by between 200 000 and 400 000 people in TB deaths - this was caused by a reduction in detection and treatment throughout 2020. At present, DOTS and the Stop TB Strategy, recommended by WHO, are making strides in saving those affected by TB. On 24 March 2021, we commemorate Dr Robert Koch’s scientific contribution to discovering the TB bacillus strain (1882), prompting the development of a cure.
30 | Public Sector Leaders • March 2021
25 International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade The United Nations’ (UN) International Day
of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, honours those who suffered and passed due to the transatlantic slave trade - deemed “the worst violation of human rights in history”. Historically, more than 400 years ago, over 15 million men, women and children were victims to this ‘triangular trade’, being deported from their homes and sold into the trading system. Every year, we take this day to reflect, using this memory as an occasion to campaign and raise awareness to the world’s youth, regarding prejudice and racism.
