Botswana Launches National TB Caucus to Tackle Tuberculosis Crisis Head-On

Gaborone, April 10, 2025

In a landmark move to address one of the country's most pressing public health challenges, Botswana has officially launched its National TB Caucus, uniting Members of Parliament, health professionals, civil society, and development partners in a powerful, coordinated fight against tuberculosis (TB). The launch, which took place in Gaborone, marks a significant step toward achieving Botswana’s End TB goals, aligned with the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy and the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB targets.

Botswana National TB Caucus Launch

Why This Matters: Botswana’s TB Burden Among the Highest Globally

Botswana remains one of the highest TB burden countries, with an incidence rate of 224 per 100,000 people as of 2023. The crisis is compounded by the high rate of TB-HIV co-infection — with 44% of TB cases involving people living with HIV — and rising cases of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB), accounting for 4.2% of all cases last year.

Despite decades of effort through the Botswana National Tuberculosis Programme (BNTP), established in 1975, TB remains the leading cause of death from infectious disease in the country. The National TB Caucus aims to elevate political commitment, drive strategic domestic investments, and implement targeted policy reforms to change that.

A Unified Front: Global and National TB Caucus Leaders Speak Out

Rt Hon Nick Herbert CBE MP, Chair of the Global TB Caucus, lauded the new Botswana TB Caucus:

“With collective resolve, we can dismantle TB’s grip on this nation and establish a global benchmark for ending this ancient scourge.”

Hon. Dr. Josiah Makombe, Chair of the Zimbabwe National TB Caucus, emphasized urgency and unity:

“Tuberculosis is an immediate threat that waits for no one. This Caucus is a vital tool for action. Our commitment is clear — we will deliver results.”

Hon. Kesitegile Gobotswang, Chair of Botswana’s TB Caucus, stressed national ownership:

“Every Motswana deserves freedom from this preventable disease. Strengthening domestic resource mobilization is essential to secure a healthier future.”

Strategic Action: TB Prevalence Survey & Drug Access

As part of the 2025–2026 Ministry of Health budget, the Botswana Parliament has approved funding for a nationwide TB Prevalence Survey, which will provide a clearer picture of the disease’s footprint. MPs have also called for uninterrupted access to TB medications in all health facilities to prevent treatment interruption and drug resistance.

Civil Society at the Forefront

Civil society remains a key partner in the fight. Ms. Grace Banda, Executive Director of the Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Botswana, pledged:

“We are committed to equipping MPs with tools to become confident advocates — especially in financing the TB response and tackling stigma in communities.”

The Challenge: Case Fatality and Access Gaps

Botswana is currently grappling with a TB case fatality ratio of approximately 30%, one of the highest in the region. Less than one-third of people who fall ill with TB are diagnosed and treated — yet for those diagnosed, 100% receive rapid molecular testing, showcasing Botswana’s diagnostic capacity and need for improved case finding.

What’s Next?

Today’s launch included technical briefings and stakeholder consultations, setting the tone for an ambitious national movement. The Botswana TB Caucus will work in tandem with the Global TB Caucus, a coalition of over 2,500 MPs across more than 150 countries, ensuring that TB remains at the top of political agendas worldwide.