The African Parliamentarians are attending a Pre-Network of African Parliamentary Committees of Health (NEAPACOH) 2024 meeting in Maseru to discuss ways to end tuberculosis by 2030.
The meeting whose theme is ‘Leaving no-one behind: transforming gendered pathways to health for tuberculosis’ is an annual event, where Parliamentarians discuss issues of health affecting the continent. This year, the meeting is hosted by Lesotho through Social Cluster committee chaired by a Member of Parliament for Mokhethoaneng Constituency, Mr. Mokhothu Makhalanyane.
Officiating the meeting, Dr Leyla Abdullahi of Partners in Population and Development (PPD) – Africa Regional Office (ARO) said they acknowledge Parliamentarians’ support to share best practices on how best to shape access to quality health services in an attempt to accelerate tuberculosis by 2030.
She stated that tuberculosis continues to affect a higher population of Africans with men being on the forefront due to misuse and abuse of tobacco and alcohol among others.
Sharing his sentiments virtually, Professor Jeremiah Chakaya of Kenya noted that in Africa, 1.7 million people had tuberculosis in 2022 with ages 14, 15 to 45 being the most affected due to reasons mentioned and HIV/AIDS amongst others.
He therefore appealed to the African continent to opt even for the innovative way of curbing tuberculosis.
“Standing in solidarity to redress the state of tuberculosis is vital for improving quality health,” he stressed.
In an interview with the Agency, Mr. Makhalanyane who is also the Chairperson of NEAPACOH said for the longest time, tuberculosis has been seen as a scientific and clinical issue, saying by the end of business today (Tuesday), they are hoping to have unpacked it bearing in mind the traditional aspect of it.
Other issues to be discussed later on include: the opportunity for gender tuberculosis programming in Africa and potential commitment to gendered programming as well as challenges hindering the provision of gender-sensitive tuberculosis programming, and what can Africa do to address this issue.
It is anticipated that this meeting will extend with a two-day conference meant to commence in Maseru on Wednesday.
Source: LENA 27/02/2024
