Establishing a parliamentary caucus to provide oversight to tuberculosis control in Pakistan

Kinz ul  Eman; Ghulam Nabi  Kazi; Lucica  Ditiu; Nausheen  Hamid; Syed Karam Shah; Syed Karam Shah

doi:10.32413/pjph.v12i1.956

Authors

Kinz ul Eman DOPASI Foundation
Ghulam Nabi Kazi DOPASI Foundation
Lucica Ditiu Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
Nausheen Hamid Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
Syed Karam Shah Stop TB Partnership, Islamabad, Pakistan
Syed Karam Shah Stop TB Partnership, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32413/pjph.v12i1.956

Keywords:

Multi-sectoral Accountability Framework, Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis, Parliamentarian’s role, Health, Pakistan, United Nations, COVID-19, Parliamentary Caucus

Abstract

Background: The National TB Control Program and its partners advocated for a caucus of parliamentarians to galvanize political support for tuberculosis control. The process urged political representatives from all parties to join the call to action for a TB-free Pakistan by supporting timely decisions and adequate resource allocation for TB prevention and cure.

Methods: National TB Control Program Pakistan and Stop TB Partnership ensured an effective advocacy stream of activities leading to formulating a parliamentary caucus. The forum has held several meetings to support political decisions for TB control and cure in the country.

Results: A total of 13 Parliamentarians initially agreed to be a caucus member, attended its launch and two follow-up meetings, and supported decisions. The parliamentarians signed a declaration to address the barriers in providing TB diagnostic and treatment care across the country, irrespective of any discrimination.