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Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health concern in South Africa, affecting thousands yearly. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease threatening public health, particularly in densely populated areas. Given the prevalence of tuberculosis and the potential severity of untreated cases, medical aid schemes in South Africa frequently include TB treatment benefits. This inclusion aims to promote early detection and comprehensive treatment, reducing the disease’s impact on the community.

This article delves into the complexities of tuberculosis, from symptoms to treatment options to medical aid schemes that cover it. Understanding the scope of tuberculosis and the financial assistance available is critical for effective disease management.

Knowing how to manage TB disease is crucial, given its significant impact in South Africa. This article delves into essential information such as symptoms one should look out for, available treatments, and ways that Medical Aid Schemes can assist with the cost of treatment.

The Best Medical Aid Scheme covering TB in South Africa (2024) – a List
The Best Medical Aid plans that Covers TB as pre-existing conditions
Is TB treatment for free in South Africa?
Does Discovery Health, KeyHealth and Bonitas cover TB treatment?
Is Tuberculosis a PMB?
Medical Aid Schemes that cover Tuberculosis for Pensioners, Adults and Babies
Best Tuberculosis (TB) treatment & understanding TB symptoms
TB prevention and TB vaccine

and much MUCH more

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Tuberculosis – A Comparson

🔎 Provider	▶️ Covers Strokes	💙 Top Plan for Covering Stroke
🥇 Bestmed	✅ Yes	Beat 3
🥈 Bonitas	✅ Yes	BonStart
🥉 Cape Medical Plan	✅ Yes	HealthPact Select
🏅 CompCare	✅ Yes	PINNACLE
🥇 Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Smart Essential
🥈 Fedhealth	✅ Yes	FlexiFed 4
🥉 Genesis	✅ Yes	MED 200 Plus
🏅 Siswe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Value Core
🎖️ KeyHealth	✅ Yes	Essence
🥇 Makoti	✅ Yes	Comprehensive
🥈 Medihelp	✅ Yes	MedElite
🥉 MediMed	✅ Yes	Medisave MAX
🏅 MedShield	✅ Yes	MediSwift
🥇 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Evolve
🥈 Suremed	✅ Yes	Challenger
🥉 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Universal

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Tuberculosis (TB) – 2024

☑️ Bestmed – Offers Mainstream Chronic Benefits in all plans
☑️ Bonitas – Bonitas covers TB as a PMB.
☑️ Cape Medical Plan – offers you more than just hospital cover
☑️ CompCare – Affordable medical aid plans Plus Comprehensive Coverage
☑️ Discovery Health – Overall the best medical aid scheme covering Tuberculosis in SA
☑️ Fedhealth – Flexible and Affordable Healthcare for Individuals and Families
☑️ Genesis – In hospital TB treatment covered alongside 26 chronic conditions
☑️ Siswe Hosmed – Access to the Sizwe Hosmed Wellness Program
☑️ KeyHealth – Pays 100% of In-Hospital Specialist Bills relating to TB treatment
☑️ Makoti Medical Scheme – Affordable Healthcare from R332 ZAR
☑️ MediHelp – Cost-Effective Medical Care
☑️ MediMed – Flexible Healthcare Solutions
☑️ Medshield – Unlimited In-Hospital cover in case of major medical emergencies
☑️ Momentum Health – TB treatment cover is available for an additional 36 conditions at any provider
☑️ Suremed – Provides a full range of medical aid solutions
☑️ Thebemed – Unlimited Private Hospital cover at network hospitals

What is Tuberculosis?

The disease Tuberculosis (TB) poses a complex and often misconstrued threat to the public health of South Africa. This section presents an in-depth comprehension of TB, its prevalence rates within the country, and available remedies and managerial practices.

This information equips individuals with the necessary tools when seeking medical assistance regarding TB.

Overview of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other organs. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, airborne droplets spread the disease.

It is critical to recognise that not everyone exposed to TB becomes ill; there is a distinction between latent TB infection and active TB disease.

The bacteria in latent tuberculosis remain dormant, posing no risk of transmission, whereas active tuberculosis is contagious and requires immediate treatment.

Tuberculosis Stats in South Africa

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death and morbidity in South Africa. According to the World Health Organization, South Africa has one of the highest TB burdens. Here are some of the most recent TB statistics from South Africa:

✅ In South Africa, tuberculosis (per 100,000 people) was reported to be 513 in 2021.
✅ Between 2015 and 2021, there was a 26% reduction in TB deaths in the African region, and seven countries, including South Africa, achieved a 35% reduction in deaths since 2015.
✅ In 2018, the estimated prevalence of tuberculosis (all ages, all forms) in South Africa was 737 per 100,000 people.
✅ Approximately 80% of South Africa’s population is estimated to be infected with tuberculosis bacteria, most of whom have latent TB rather than active TB.
✅ TB is the leading cause of death in South Africa, killing an estimated 58,000 people in 2019, 36,000 of whom were HIV positive.
✅ In 2019, it was estimated that 14,000 people in South Africa became ill with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB).
✅ The region’s high HIV burden is reflected in the 20% of new TB cases reported among people with HIV and AIDS.

Can tuberculosis be cured, and how?

The good news is that tuberculosis is usually curable. Antibiotics are usually taken for six to nine months as treatment.

The most commonly used medications are Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. Adherence to the treatment plan is critical for curing the disease and preventing the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains.

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Tuberculosis Curability and Management

Tuberculosis management requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond medication. Patients must strictly adhere to their treatment regimen and may require additional assistance such as nutritional supplements and mental health services.

Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) is frequently recommended in South Africa to ensure patients complete their treatment. This method entails healthcare workers observing patients while they take their medication, increasing the likelihood of treatment success.

Tuberculosis Symptoms

Identifying its symptoms is the initial step in achieving timely diagnosis and successful Tuberculosis (TB) treatment. This is especially crucial in South Africa, where TB significantly challenges public health.

To address this issue specific to the country, we have extensively analysed varied tuberculosis-related symptoms prevalent there. Here are some of the common symptoms of tuberculosis:

✅ Persistent Cough
✅ Shortness of Breath
✅ Unexplained Weight Loss
✅ Fatigue and Weakness
✅ Chest Pain
✅ Fever and Night Sweats

Persistent Cough

A persistent cough lasting over three weeks is one of the most common Tuberculosis symptoms. In South Africa, where respiratory illnesses are common due to air pollution and smoking, distinguishing a TB-related cough from other types is critical.

A TB cough is frequently accompanied by the production of sputum, which may contain blood in severe cases. If you have a persistent cough, seeking medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a particularly concerning symptom of advanced tuberculosis. It is critical to distinguish the causes of breathlessness in South Africa, where high altitudes in some regions can also cause it.

If you have shortness of breath, seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment, especially if it worsens over time and is accompanied by other TB symptoms.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss can signify various health problems, including tuberculosis. In South Africa, where malnutrition is already a problem in some communities, unexplained weight loss caused by tuberculosis can exacerbate pre-existing health problems.

Suppose you or someone you know is losing weight for no apparent reason. In that case, seeking medical attention is critical because it could indicate tuberculosis or other serious health problems.

Fatigue and Weakness

It is important not to overlook feeling abnormally exhausted or feeble as a key symptom. In South Africa, where many individuals are employed in demanding physical labour, fatigue is often misunderstood as normal tiredness.

But if your weariness persists and disrupts your everyday routine, it could indicate tuberculosis. You must seek medical assistance promptly to obtain an accurate diagnosis, particularly if this indication coincides with additional symptoms of TB.

Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a sign of tuberculosis, especially when breathing or coughing. In South Africa, where other respiratory conditions such as asthma and pneumonia are common, distinguishing TB-related chest pain from other causes is critical for proper treatment.

If you have persistent chest pain, especially if other TB symptoms accompany it, seek medical attention immediately.

Fever and Night Sweats

Tuberculosis often presents with fever and night sweats, which can be mistaken for flu symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis. In South Africa, where malaria and other infectious diseases prevail, it is imperative to exclude TB as a probable cause if these indications endure.

A mild yet prolonged fever that remains unresponsive to over-the-counter drugs necessitates further inquiry for tuberculosis infection.

Tuberculosis Treatment

In South Africa, treating Tuberculosis (TB) effectively is crucial for personal healing and public welfare. Knowledge of available options becomes vital to adequately comprehend the treatment possibilities in a country with significant TB prevalence.

This segment illustrates several tailor-made treatments that address TB within the healthcare system of South Africa. Tuberculosis can be treated in the following ways:

✅ Surgical Intervention
✅ Antibiotic Regimen
✅ Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS)
✅Drug-Resistant TB Treatment
✅ Supportive Therapies
✅ Follow-up and Monitoring

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention may be required in rare cases, especially for drug-resistant TB or complications such as lung abscesses. Surgical options could include thoracoplasty or lung resection.

These interventions are generally considered last-resort options and are carried out in South African specialised healthcare facilities.

Antibiotic Regimen

A six to nine-month antibiotic regimen is the foundation of tuberculosis treatment. Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide are the most commonly used antibiotics in South Africa.

Adherence to the medication regimen is essential for effective treatment and preventing drug-resistant TB strains. Given the duration of the treatment, it is critical to consult with a healthcare provider regularly to monitor progress and manage any side effects.

Directly Observed Treatment, Short course (DOTS)

DOTS is a World Health Organisation-recommended treatment adherence strategy implemented in South Africa. DOTS involves healthcare workers or trained volunteers observing patients as they take their medication, increasing the likelihood that the treatment will be completed.

This approach is especially useful in communities with limited healthcare access or where patients may need help with treatment adherence due to various socioeconomic factors.

Drug-Resistant TB Treatment

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is becoming more common in South Africa, necessitating specialised treatment regimens that can be more time-consuming and complicated than standard TB treatment.

These regimens frequently include second-line medications such as Kanamycin, Capreomycin, or Levofloxacin. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis usually require close monitoring and may need to be hospitalised for extended periods due to the complexity and potential side effects.

Supportive Therapies

Supplementary treatments like mental health services and nutritional supplements can greatly treat tuberculosis.

Particularly in South Africa, where TB management is complicated by malnutrition and psychological concerns, such supportive measures are often integrated into a holistic approach to therapy.

The goal is not only to enhance patients’ general welfare but also to increase the efficiency of medical interventions potentially.

Follow-up and Monitoring

The importance of regular follow-up and monitoring in TB treatment must be considered. This frequently entails periodic sputum tests, chest X-rays, and consultations with healthcare providers to assess treatment effectiveness and, if necessary, adjust the medication regimen.

Consistent monitoring ensures that the treatment works as intended and aids in the early detection of any complications or drug resistance development.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Tuberculosis

Bestmed

Bestmed’s comprehensive healthcare approach includes medical coverage and wellness initiatives encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Does Bestmed cover tuberculosis?

Yes, TB is covered by Bestmed. However, it is assessed on a case-by-case basis using evidence-based approaches.

Bestmed Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Bestmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Beat 1
✅ Beat 2
✅ Beat 3
✅ Beat 4
✅ Pace 1
✅ Pace 2
✅ Pace 3
✅ Pace 4
✅ Rhythm 1
✅ Rhythm 2

Bonitas

Bonitas provides tailored chronic condition plans to ensure members with long-term health difficulties receive the concentrated treatment they require. This makes it a good option for people who need continuing medical care.

Does Bonitas cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Bonitas covers tuberculosis.

Bonitas Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ BonStart
✅ BonStart Plus
✅ Standard
✅ Standard Select
✅ Primary
✅ Primary Select
✅ BonFit Select
✅ BonSave
✅ BonComplete
✅ BonClassic
✅ BonComprehensive
✅ Hospital Standard
✅ BonEssential
✅ BonEssential Select
✅ BonCap

Cape Medical Plan

Cape Medical Plan goes beyond treating illnesses by emphasising preventative care and wellness. It takes a proactive approach to healthcare with its comprehensive plans.

Does Cape Medical Plan cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Cape Medical Plan covers tuberculosis.

Cape Medical Plan Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Cape Medical Plan Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ HealthPact Silver
✅ HealthPact Premium
✅ HealthPact Select

CompCare

The medical aid plans offered by CompCare are supported by cutting-edge technology. Their mobile app makes healthcare management easier for members.

Does CompCare cover tuberculosis?

Yes, CompCare covers tuberculosis.

CompCare Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ NETWORX
✅ SELFNET
✅ MEDX
✅ UNISAVE
✅ MUMED
✅ SELFSURE
✅ SYMMETRY
✅ DYNAMIX
✅ PINNACLE

Discovery Health

Discovery Health is a reputable healthcare provider known for its dedication to quality and customer service.

Does Discovery Health cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Discovery Health covers tuberculosis. Discovery Health offers funds to assist academic research and clinical science, sub-specialist training, rural medicine, and projects to expand public healthcare resources.

Discovery Health Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Discovery Health Executive Plan
✅ Discovery Health Classic Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Classic Core
✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Core
✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Saver
✅ Discovery Health Classic Priority
✅ Discovery Health Classic Saver
✅ Discovery Health Classic Smart Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Classic Smart
✅ Discovery Health Coastal Core
✅ Discovery Health Coastal Saver
✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Core
✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Saver
✅ Discovery Health Essential Dynamic Smart
✅ Discovery Health Essential Priority
✅ Discovery Health Essential Saver
✅ Discovery Health Essential Smart
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Core
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Plus
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Start
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Start Regional

Fedhealth

Members can expect a seamless healthcare experience with Fedhealth, thanks to its efficient claims process and 24/7 support.

Does Fedhealth cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Fedhealth covers tuberculosis.

Fedhealth Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ FlexiFED Savvy
✅ MyFED
✅ FlexiFED 1
✅ FlexiFED 2
✅ FlexiFED 3
✅ FlexiFED 4
✅ Maxima EXEC
✅ Maxima PLUS

Genesis Medical Scheme

Genesis Medical Scheme covers scheduled and emergency hospitalisations. Specialists and doctors are covered at 200% of the Scheme Tariff for comprehensive healthcare.

Does Genesis Medical Scheme cover tuberculosis?

Yes, TB is covered by Genesis Medical Scheme. According to the Genesis Medical Scheme website, medical plans cannot limit coverage for Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) disease conditions such as TB.

Genesis Medical Scheme Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Genesis Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Tuberculosis:

✅ MED-100
✅ MED-200
✅ MED-200 Plus

Sizwe Hosmed

Sizwe Hosmed, a pioneer in the industry, has set the standard for medical aid in South Africa.

Does Sizwe Hosmed cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Sizwe Hosmed covers tuberculosis.

Sizwe Hosmed Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Silver Hospital
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO
✅ Value
✅ Value Core EDO
✅ Platinum Enhanced
✅ Platinum Enhanced EDO
✅ Plus
✅ Titanium Executive

Keyhealth

Keyhealth has carved out a niche by removing the complexities often associated with medical aid.

Does Keyhealth cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Keyhealth covers tuberculosis.

Keyhealth Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Essence
✅ Origin
✅ Equilibrium
✅ Silver
✅ Gold
✅ Platinum

Makoti Medical Scheme

Makoti Medical Scheme is a socially responsible medical aid provider committed to local health initiatives.

Does Makoti Medical Scheme cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Makoti Medical Scheme covers tuberculosis.

Makoti Medical Scheme Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Makoti Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Primary Option
✅ Comprehensive Option

Medihelp

Medihelp has been in business for decades and has earned a reputation for dependability. Their network comprises top medical institutions, assuring policyholders receive great treatment.

Does Medihelp cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Medihelp covers TB. According to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) cover the most frequent, life-threatening diseases for which cost-effective treatment would prolong and improve the patient’s life.

This includes cancer, HIV/Aids, TB, asthma, epilepsy, and hypertension.

Medihelp Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ MedElect Student
✅ MedVital Elect
✅ MedVital
✅ MedMove!
✅ MedAdd Elect
✅ MedAdd
✅ MedSave
✅ MedElect
✅ MedPrime Elect
✅ MedPrime
✅ MedElite
✅ MedPlus

Medimed Medical Scheme

The Medimed Medical Scheme provides healthcare security by paying benefits up to the Medimed Scheme Tariff. Members of the plan get access to vital health services.

Does Medimed cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Medimed covers tuberculosis.

Medimed Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Medimed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Medisave Essential
✅ Alpha
✅ Medisave Standard
✅ Medisave Max

Medshield

The adaptability of Medshield is obvious in its nine personalised healthcare plans, which are designed to accommodate a wide range of requirements and budgets, from individuals to families.

Does Medshield cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Medshield covers tuberculosis.

Medshield Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediPlus Prime
✅ MediPlus Compact
✅ MediSaver
✅ MediBonus
✅ PremiumPlus

Momentum Health

Momentum Health, known for its customer-centric strategy, offers individualised care through dedicated relationship managers. This guarantees that members receive timely and relevant healthcare help.

Does Momentum Health cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Momentum Health covers tuberculosis.

Momentum Health Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Ingwe
✅ Evolve
✅ Custom
✅ Incentive
✅ Extender
✅ Summit

Suremed

Suremed Health is financially sound, with reserves far above the required 25% of yearly contributions.

Does Suremed cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Suremed covers tuberculosis.

Suremed Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Suremed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Shuttle
✅ Explorer
✅ Navigator
✅ Challenger

Thebemed

Thebemed is dedicated to supporting the greater interests of communities by providing quality healthcare solutions that are both cheap and sustainable.

Does Thebemed cover tuberculosis?

Yes, Thebemed covers tuberculosis.

Thebemed Plans that Cover Tuberculosis

The following Thebemed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for tuberculosis:

✅ Universal EDO
✅ Universal
✅ Energy
✅ Fantasy

In conclusion

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health concern in South Africa, affecting thousands yearly. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease threatening public health, particularly in densely populated areas.

Given the prevalence of tuberculosis and the potential severity of untreated cases, medical aid schemes in South Africa frequently include TB treatment benefits. This inclusion aims to promote early detection and comprehensive treatment, reducing the disease’s impact on the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does medical aid cover TB?

Yes, given the prevalence and impact on public health, most medical aid schemes in South Africa provide benefits that cover Tuberculosis treatment.

Is TB treatment free in SA?

As part of the country’s efforts to control the disease, TB treatment is generally provided free in public healthcare facilities in South Africa.

Who pays for TB treatment in South Africa?

The government covers the cost of TB treatment in public healthcare facilities, whereas, in private healthcare, the cost may be covered by medical aid schemes or paid for out of pocket by the patient.

How much does it cost to treat TB in South Africa?

The cost of tuberculosis treatment varies greatly depending on the healthcare facility and whether it is public or private, but public healthcare generally provides free treatment.

Is TB expensive to treat in South Africa?

No, TB treatment is usually free in public healthcare facilities, but it can be expensive in private healthcare settings, requiring medical aid coverage or out-of-pocket expenses.

What is the relationship between TB and HIV in South Africa?

TB is the leading killer of HIV-positive people in South Africa, accounting for 36,000 of the estimated 58,000 TB deaths in 2019.

What is TB preventive treatment?

TPT (tuberculosis preventive treatment) is a course of one or more anti-tuberculosis medications given to people at high risk of developing TB.

Who is eligible for TB preventive treatment in South Africa?

People living with HIV, people with close contact with someone with TB disease, and people with positive TB tests but no signs of active TB disease are all eligible for TB preventive treatment in South Africa.

Is TB considered a disability in South Africa?

No, tuberculosis is not generally regarded as a disability. However, severe or complicated cases may result in conditions classified as disabilities.

Can you live with untreated TB?

No, living with untreated tuberculosis is extremely dangerous and can result in serious health complications, including death; it also increases the risk of spreading the disease to others.

How long does TB treatment take?

Depending on the type and severity of the infection, standard TB treatment typically lasts six to nine months.

What is the role of public health care in TB treatment in South Africa?

Most South Africans (84%) get their health care from government-run public clinics and hospitals, which play an important role in TB treatment in the country.

Is there a TB vaccine available in South Africa?

No, there is no widely available tuberculosis vaccine in South Africa, but research to develop effective TB vaccines is ongoing.

How can TB be prevented in South Africa?

Early diagnosis and treatment, infection control, and vaccination can all help to prevent tuberculosis.

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Adriaan Schoeman

Adriaan holds an MBA and specializes in medical aid research. With his commitment to perfection, he ensures the accuracy of all data presented on medicalaid.com every three months. When he is not conducting research, Adriaan can be found indulging in his passion for trout fishing amidst nature.