Doctor Norbert Ndjeka Transforms South Africa's Drug-Resistant TB Care
Why this is here: South Africa now treats 88% of drug-resistant TB patients in six months, achieving 79% success with new regimens.
Dr. Norbert Ndjeka reshaped South Africa's treatment of deadly tuberculosis forms.
He trained as a doctor in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was inspired to pursue medicine after observing his cousin's journey.
Mobutu Sese Seko's regime caused him to lose his first job. An opportunity led him to work in rural South Africa during apartheid.
Ndjeka pushed for community-based care over hospitalization for drug-resistant TB. He established a national advisory committee for drug-resistant TB.
He argued for decentralizing care to community settings, improving treatment success. He led the country's drug-resistant TB directorate from 2009.
He fought to bring new TB drugs into clinics early. Ndjeka secured early access to the drug bedaquiline.
South Africa pioneered injectable-free treatment starting in 2017. A 2026 study showed bedaquiline regimens achieve 79% success. Treatment duration shortened to six months for 88% of patients.