In previous videos in our TB animation series, we explained what TB is and what causes it. Today, we look at how TB spreads.
TB travels through the air in tiny droplets called aerosols, released when we breathe, cough, or speak.
Good ventilation helps. Opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate reduces infectious particles.
Part 3 of our animated TB series for #WTBD2026.
Animation: Mitchell Gilbert Messina
We hosted the first PROTEA-Net co-design workshop with Khayelitsha residents.
Together with Prof. Esmita Charani’s team, we explored how climate change and social factors shape drug-resistant infections, centring community voices in research.
Starting with “What is research?”, we created space for reflection and shared understanding.
A strong first step toward trust and collaboration.
Many people think TB comes from smoking, dust, cold weather, or dirt, but TB is actually caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air.
Episode 2 of our animated TB series introduces Mike O’Bacterium, helping people remember the bacterium behind TB.
Animation by: Mitchell Gilbert Messina
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYg3_brchSw
As we prepare for our 2026 programmes, we hosted a facilitator recruitment session with postgrad and postdoc students from @UCTHealthSci.
The group of volunteers play a key role in supporting and facilitating the scientific components of our programmes.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
As we approach the #WTBD2026, we will be sharing a short animated series explaining TB, what it is, how it spreads, and the myths surrounding it.
Episode 1: What do we know about TB?
Animation by: Mitchell Gilbert Messina
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1J2uOpPZ44
[TRAILER] Silencing Stigma
Created by high school learners from IkamvaYouth Khayelitsha in Cape Town, this documentary explores the lived realities of tuberculosis. It also highlights the risks of interrupting treatment and the danger of transmission to babies.
Film by: Imange Thonga, Ongeziwe Sotiya, Image Nyakama
Music by: Cairo Cpt ft. King Sdudla
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkW0SkEdeE
Researchers and community members gathered at the Masiphumelele Library for a SA-CARES workshop, coordinated by Eh!woza. Led by Prof. Jonathan Peter, the study explores how climate change affects asthma in children and families.
The day included talks by Prof. Peter and Prof. Aqiel, as well as a Learner Doccies film by local high school learners, sparking practical insights from the community.
[Trailer] Post-Covid
High school learners from Bishop Lavis created this short documentary through the Learner Doccies programme in collaboration with C-SHARP.
The film reflects on job losses, fear, and the lasting ways COVID-19 changed lives in their community, challenges that many people are still facing today.
Film by: Lorenzo Lauw, Sohail Pretorius, Shayne Adonis
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yqJ-UgDYlI
Back at IkamvaYouth for the open day & prize-giving! This time, we celebrated the 2025 Learner Doccies participants from the Khayelitsha Branch for short films on TB, mental health & climate change.
We're so proud of these young storytellers, and we wish them all the best for the future.
[TRAILER] Voices of Lambasi
A short documentary film by young people from Lambasi, Lusikisiki. This film examines the daily challenges in the Lambasi community, including crime, gender-based violence, poor services, and limited healthcare. The film also addresses safety concerns faced by school learners. By centring local voices, it presents community-driven ideas for change.
Film by: Lindokuhle Magubha, Afika Bambanani and Ayola Dukuza
Music by: Pro Chxld
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEO-IEYg_uA
