Neftaly: Reducing the TB Burden in the Mining Sector Across Southern Africa

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most serious health challenges affecting mineworkers and their communities across Southern Africa. The mining sector—characterized by harsh working conditions, poor ventilation, silica dust exposure, and frequent cross-border migration—has historically recorded disproportionately high rates of TB infection.

Neftaly (South African Youth Project) is committed to transforming this narrative by contributing meaningfully to the reduction of the TB burden in the mining sector, through innovative health education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions.

The Challenge

Mineworkers are up to 10 times more likely to contract TB than the general population, due to:

• Prolonged exposure to dust and cramped working conditions
• Limited access to consistent health services, especially for migrant workers
• Stigma and fear that delay diagnosis and treatment
• Weak integration between public and occupational health systems

These risks extend beyond mine sites, affecting surrounding communities and contributing to regional TB transmission, especially in border areas and migrant corridors.

Neftaly’s Strategic Contribution

Neftaly is taking a multi-level, cross-sectoral approach to reduce TB among mineworkers and mining communities in Southern Africa, focusing on prevention, education, early detection, and system strengthening:

1. Health Education and Awareness Campaigns

We conduct TB awareness campaigns tailored specifically for mining populations. This includes:

• On-site workplace health education sessions
• Multilingual educational materials designed for low-literacy audiences
• TB awareness roadshows in mining towns and labor-sending areas

2. Community Mobilization and Peer Support

Neftaly trains peer educators and youth health champions from mining communities to:

• Identify TB symptoms early and refer individuals for screening
• Combat stigma and misinformation
• Provide psychosocial support for individuals undergoing TB treatment

3. Strengthening Access to TB Services

We collaborate with local clinics, mobile health providers, and mining companies to:

• Facilitate mobile TB screening units at mines and hostels
• Distribute masks, educational materials, and treatment support tools
• Improve follow-up and adherence through digital health reminders

4. Advocacy for Policy and Systems Change

Neftaly works with regional bodies, mining associations, and government health departments to advocate for:

• Improved occupational health policies
• Better integration of public and private sector TB services
• Cross-border referral systems to ensure continuity of care for migrant workers

5. Data and Impact Monitoring

Our programs include robust monitoring to track:

• TB case identification and referral rates
• Treatment adherence and completion outcomes
• Community attitudes toward TB over time

Regional Reach and Impact

Neftaly’s efforts are being implemented in key mining areas and labor-sending regions across countries including:

• South Africa
• Lesotho
• Mozambique
• Zimbabwe
• Zambia
• Namibia

Our work is aligned with regional frameworks such as the SADC TB in the Mining Sector Initiative (TIMS) and contributes to national TB strategic plans.

Achievements So Far

• Over 50,000 mineworkers and community members reached through TB education campaigns
• More than 200 youth peer educators trained and deployed
• Increased TB screening uptake in targeted mining communities
• Enhanced collaboration between public health systems and mine-based clinics

Looking Ahead

Neftaly will continue to expand its work to:

• Strengthen the role of youth in TB prevention in mining communities
• Support regional coordination for migrant-friendly TB services
• Address co-infections like HIV-TB through integrated programming
• Advocate for healthier, safer, and more equitable mining environments

Conclusion

TB in the mining sector is not just a health issue—it is a matter of human rights, occupational justice, and regional development. Through strategic partnerships, grassroots mobilization, and regional collaboration, Neftaly is making a measurable difference in the fight against TB in Southern Africa’s mining sector.