A Look into the Realities and Complexities of Tuberculosis as Observed Amongst Zulu Populations of Durban, South Africa

Abstract

In the global health field we place particular emphasis on infectious diseases, which have challenged the health of societies across the globe for much of history. Infectious diseases—most notably HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria—have reached alarming levels and become a public health priority. While most infectious diseases are fundamentally similar in the fact that they can spread quickly, they affect different populations in a variety of ways. It is a global health necessity to understand both the cultures of the countries in which infectious diseases are common as well as the ways in which these infectious diseases affect the individual cultures in order to address effectively the challenges that people are facing. This paper focuses on TB, specifically drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). I have used my experiences with TB and Zulu populations in Durban, South Africa, to compile some of the most notable challenges the disease is posing to the population and KwaZulu-Natal health system today.