https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ofbS91hCMU

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Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Programme, sent a video message in support of this year’s APPG reception marking World TB Day.

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Congratulating APPG members of their continued efforts towards ending the epidemic, she described the rationale behind this year’s World TB Day theme:

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“While the world committed to ending the TB epidemic by 2030 as a target of the Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO End TB Strategy, actions and investments fall far short of those needed. This is why our call for World TB Day this year, alongside partners like the Stop TB Partnership, is ‘Wanted: Leaders for a TB free world’.”

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The UN High Level Meeting on TB later this year offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the fight against TB. The meeting will follow on from commitments made as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, past G20 and BRICS summits, as well as the successful Moscow Ministerial Meeting on TB convened by the WHO in November last year. Welcoming the efforts of parliamentarians in the UK and around the world, Dr Kasaeva issued a challenge to the global health community:

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“Our collective ripple can create a groundswell to save lives and end the suffering caused by this disease. Are you ready to join me? I urge you to stand with me as a leader to end TB. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we can make TB history”

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The APPG’s World TB Day Reception will take place on the 21st of March, from 6 – 7 PM in the Houses of Parliament. To find out more, click here.

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