TBEC Board Members took part in Panel discussion on community engagement in TB action

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and UNITE4TB jointly organized a webinar titled "Panel discussion on community engagement in TB action," held on March 28th.

This international event brought together researchers, educators, representatives of NGOs, and international donors who came together to discuss the importance of engagement of civil society and TB communities in all aspects of tuberculosis response as well as the challenges of supporting national TB programs (NTPs) and participating in clinical research.

Paul Sommerfeld, Chair of TB Europe Coalition, delivered a presentation emphasizing the critical role of CSOs in detecting individuals needing TB treatment, offering sustained support throughout treatment, and working to decrease TB-related stigma and discrimination. He highlighted the significance of standardized package of support services provided by CSOs, now being implemented in five WHO European region countries. Mr Sommerfeld stressed the necessity of ensuring adequate funding for CSOs and community engagement to bolster TB response efforts.

Olya Klymenko, Chair of the TBPeopleUkraine NGO, shared with webinar participants an example of active engagement of the TB community in TB control programs in Ukraine, and presented OneImpact tool through which civil society can influence the development of effective state policies based on the rights and needs of people.
TBEC Board Members took part in Panel discussion on community engagement in TB action
TBEC Board Members took part in Panel discussion on community engagement in TB action