A conversation with Hon. Dr. Christina Mnzava on why parliamentary leadership matters in the fight against TB

Hon. Dr. Christina Mnzava reflects on why she joined the Global TB Caucus, how parliamentary action has shaped her TB advocacy, and why legislators must lead if Tanzania and the world are to end tuberculosis.

What motivated you to join the Global TB Caucus?

“Tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious killers, yet it is preventable and curable. I joined the Global TB Caucus because this gap between what we know and what we do is a political issue.

As a parliamentarian, I believe leadership matters. We shape laws, budgets, and national priorities. Without political commitment, TB remains underfunded and sidelined.

The Global TB Caucus provides a platform to work with fellow legislators across borders, strengthen policies, and push for sustained investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. My motivation is rooted in ensuring that Tanzania meets its national and global health commitments and that communities most affected by TB are no longer left behind.”

A moment that made a difference

Hon. Dr. Mnzava points to parliamentary advocacy as a turning point in her TB work.

“During parliamentary debates, I pushed for increased domestic budget allocation for TB and HIV programmes by highlighting the economic and social cost of inaction. Parliament approved additional funding for diagnostics and treatment as a result.

I also supported the passage of the Universal Health Coverage Health Insurance Act, which expands access to essential services, including TB care. These moments reinforced that parliamentary voices translate directly into lives saved. They strengthened my commitment to continue driving policies and investments that bring us closer to ending TB.”

A message to fellow parliamentarians

Hon. Dr. Mnzava is direct about the responsibility of lawmakers.

“I encourage my fellow parliamentarians to join the Global TB Caucus. TB is preventable. TB is curable. Yet it continues to take lives because political action has not matched the scale of the problem.

As legislators, we influence funding, accountability, and national priorities. Together, we can raise TB on the political agenda, hold governments to their commitments, and accelerate progress.

Ending TB is achievable. It requires urgency, leadership, and political will. The time to act is now.”