A conversation with Hon Dr Luis Enrique Gallo Cantera on how a pledge in Barcelona helped put TB back on the agenda across the Americas

Hon Dr Luis Enrique Gallo Cantera reflects on what set in motion his commitment to TB advocacy, why TB remains a political priority in Uruguay, and how parliamentary leadership has helped shift both perception and resources.

What motivated you to join the Global TB Caucus?

“The invitation to sign the Barcelona Declaration against TB in 2015 set me on this path,” he recalled. “We created the Parliamentary Front in Uruguay, and in 2016 in Brasilia we worked to form the Americas Parliamentary Front. I was elected Co-President with Deputy Antonio Britos of Brazil and Deputy Luz Salgado of Peru.”

For Dr Gallo, the motivation was straightforward. “My goal has always been to give visibility to an old infectious disease that still costs thousands of lives in Latin America.”

Why does TB matter in Uruguay’s political agenda today?

Uruguay is often seen as a country with strong health systems, but the TB burden remains high. In 2023, an estimated 1 400 people fell ill with TB, and more than 160 lives were lost, including 30 people living with HIV. The TB incidence rate has risen by 37% since 2015, and deaths have increased by 34% over the same period.

Despite Uruguay’s progress in case finding and treatment, the burden remains pressing. “In Uruguay, one person dies of TB every two days,” he said. “That fact alone shows why TB must remain on the political agenda.”

A moment that made a difference

Changing public perception has been a challenge. “Some surveys suggested TB had been eradicated in Uruguay. We had to change that narrative.”

As a parliamentarian, he worked to keep TB visible in debate while also pressing for resources. “During the five-year national budget we pushed for targeted increases for TB,” he explained. The outcome was proof of the power of parliamentary advocacy: visibility drives action, action unlocks budgets, and budgets save lives.

A message to fellow parliamentarians

Dr Gallo’s appeal to colleagues is direct. “The more legislators who join this fight, the more visible TB becomes. Work with civil society and the Executive. That partnership strengthens results.”

As the world pushes toward the 2030 goal to end TB, his journey shows how parliamentary leadership can turn political will into real-world change.