Eastern Europe and Central Asia Fellows Convene to Strengthen Political Action on TB

The first meeting of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) Fellows Regional Advisory Council has been convened, marking an important step in strengthening sustained political engagement in the fight to end tuberculosis.

Held virtually, the 60-minute session brought together former parliamentarians and senior leaders from across the region to formalise a new platform designed to ensure that experience, leadership and political capital continue to drive action on tuberculosis beyond active parliamentary service.

The meeting introduced the Fellows Advisory Platform, a strategic initiative designed to keep former parliamentarians actively engaged in the tuberculosis response. The Platform is built on two clear priorities: maintaining long-term political commitment and providing expert, strategic support to Global TB Caucus activities.

This reflects a broader recognition that ending tuberculosis requires continuity in leadership. Political momentum must not be lost when parliamentary terms end. Instead, it must be sustained, strengthened and redirected to support national and global priorities.

The development of the Platform’s foundational document, referred to as the “Platform of Friendship”, formalises this approach. It outlines the structure, purpose and operational framework of the initiative, ensuring that engagement is not only maintained but also organised, strategic and impactful.

A key milestone of the meeting was the review and approval of the Terms of Reference for the Fellows Regional Advisory Council. This provides a clear governance framework to guide the work of the Council and ensure accountability in its contributions.

Participants also elected two Co-Chairs for a one-year term:

• Guldara Nurumova, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Chair of the National TB Caucus

• Jamshed Murtazoda, former Member of Parliament of Tajikistan and Global TB Caucus member

  
  

Their leadership reflects both current and former parliamentary experience, reinforcing the Platform’s role as a bridge between active political leadership and sustained advocacy.

The meeting also brought together distinguished participants including Akaki Zoidze, former Member of Parliament of Georgia, and Zarina Kamasova, former Member of Parliament of Kazakhstan, further strengthening the regional network of experienced champions.

Participants engaged in an initial discussion on priority areas of work and how Fellows can contribute meaningfully to advancing the tuberculosis agenda.

This discussion focused on how to leverage the unique position of former parliamentarians. Their experience in policy making, budget advocacy and cross-sector collaboration positions them to continue influencing national responses, supporting accountability and amplifying political will.

This aligns with the Global TB Caucus approach to driving change through political leadership, ensuring that commitments translate into action and that tuberculosis remains at the top of the political agenda.

The Council agreed on a clear path forward. Meetings will be held quarterly, creating a structured space for ongoing collaboration, strategic input and regional coordination. The next meeting is scheduled for 18 June at 10:00 CET.

This regular engagement ensures that the Fellows Advisory Council moves beyond a one-time convening to become an active and contributing mechanism within the Global TB Caucus ecosystem.

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, yet it is preventable, treatable and curable. The challenge is not a lack of solutions, but a lack of sustained prioritisation.

The EECA Fellows Regional Advisory Council represents a deliberate effort to address this gap. By keeping experienced leaders engaged, this platform is strengthening the political infrastructure needed to drive long-term change.

Ending tuberculosis requires more than commitments. It requires consistent leadership, informed advocacy and coordinated action at every level.