Lesotho has established a National TB Parliamentary Caucus to strengthen the country’s multisectoral response to tuberculosis, a disease that remains one of its most persistent public‑health challenges.
The caucus was launched in Maseru by National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane who said parliament must play a central role in combating TB, which continues to undermine education, livelihoods and economic productivity.
He noted that TB is not only a health issue but also a developmental challenge, affecting education, the economy and livelihoods.
“It requires a multisectoral approach,” he said, stressing the need for collaboration across sectors.
Health Minister ‘Mamokete Ntšekhe highlighted Lesotho’s progress towards global TB targets, noting that the country has achieved a 33 percent reduction in TB mortality and a 30 percent reduction in TB incidence, moving closer to the Sustainable Development Goal 2030 and End TB Strategy 2035 benchmarks.
However, she cautioned that these gains remain insufficient, stressing the need to intensify efforts significantly to meet the ambitious targets.
Lesotho has one of the highest TB burdens in the world, driven by widespread poverty, high HIV prevalence and limited access to health services.
TB killed 1.23 million people worldwide in 2024 and drug‑resistant strains are rising.
The new caucus, part of the global parliamentary TB movement, is expected to strengthen legislation, financing and oversight.
WHO Representative to Lesotho, Innocent Nuwagira praised the initiative as both timely and commendable.
“Parliament has a unique and decisive role to play through legislation, budgetary allocation, oversight and public advocacy,” he said.
He added that the caucus provides a critical platform to strengthen domestic financing, enhance accountability, and ensure equitable access to TB services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Sekhamane was named Lesotho’s National TB Champion, signalling renewed political commitment to ending the disease.
JN/APA