On May 14, 2024 more than 500 CSOs’ and communities’ representatives as well as all stakeholders in the fight to end TB, took part in a hybrid Town Hall event organized by WHO in close collaboration with the Civil Society Task Force on TB (CSTF-TB).
Yuliia Kalancha had the honor of moderating this unique event, dedicated to urgent measures necessary for implementing the Political Declaration on TB 2023 from the perspective of civil society and expanding the rights and opportunities of communities.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General delivered a welcoming video message to the participants, while Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme, presented an overview of the commitments and targets of the Political Declaration on TB 2023, as well as WHO actions to help fulfill these commitments.
CSTF-TB members who were present in-person at the Town Hall shared their perspectives and suggested priority actions needed to implement the commitments of the Political Declaration on TB, namely:
· Increase funding
· Empower communities
· Innovate
· Safeguard social support
· Invest in demand for new TB vaccines, drugs and diagnostics
Throughout the event participants who were present virtually were encouraged to share their responses and comments on:
1. What do you see as the top 3 community-led actions to operationalize the 2023 Political Declaration on TB?
2. How can CSTF-TB systematically engage with broader civil society?
Representatives from the WHO Global TB Programme Secretariat summarized the received suggestions and feedback and presented them to the participants.
Recall that the WHO Civil Society Task Force on Tuberculosis (CSTF-TB) provides a platform for discussion and exchange with WHO, acting as an advisory body focusing on leveraging engagement with civil society and affected communities at all levels to accelerate progress towards ending TB, in line with WHO End TB Strategy.
To access the Town Hall recording, click here - https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/05/14/default-calendar/WHO-Townhall-for-civil-society-and-affected-communities
