Highlights from the Vaccination and Global Health Symposium 2025

The Global TB Caucus participated in the Vaccination and Global Health Symposium in Mexico City—an event organized by Medical IMPACT, a civil society organization led by our national focal point, Dr. Giorgio Franyuti. This strategic convening offered a timely opportunity to support Mexico in reigniting political commitment to tuberculosis, reactivating its National Parliamentary Front on TB, and integrating public health priorities—including TB—into key multilateral discussions, such as the upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

Events like this underscore the importance of creating spaces where politics, policy, and public health intersect. By bringing together parliamentarians, civil society, scientists, and government stakeholders, the Symposium offered a rare opportunity for meaningful exchange and coordination. It is through these kinds of gatherings that shared goals are clarified, relationships are built, and the foundation for sustained action is laid.

Civil Society Forum: Advocating Through Experience

The symposium featured the forum "Tuberculosis: Experiences of Political Advocacy from Civil Society," organized with leadership from the Americas Regional Office of the Caucus. The forum served as a powerful platform to outline the urgent state of TB in the Americas and advocate for smarter, stronger national responses.

Key themes emerged:

• The critical need to increase national investment in TB, aligning with the commitments made at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting.

• The impact and credibility of the Global TB Caucus model, including lessons from Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, and others.

• The consequences of inaction, presented through an economic impact study showing three possible futures: ending TB by 2030, delaying until 2045, or staying on the current path.

Strategic Dialogue On The Sidelines of The Symposium

Later, in a smaller strategic meeting with Mexican lawmakers, the Caucus aimed to catalyze political leadership and reaffirm support for national efforts.

The event brought together:

• Hon. Alejandro Hernández Hana

• Hon. Francisco Estrada

• Dr. Rogelio Hernández Pando, a leading TB vaccine researcher

• And regional champions including Hon. Pastor Vera (Paraguay) and Hon. Susel Paredes (Peru)

Dr. Giorgio Franyuti opened the discussion by providing critical national context, setting the stage for renewed parliamentary engagement. Luis Gallo, Regional Director for the Americas, followed by outlining the strategic importance of reactivating Mexico’s National Parliamentary Front on TB, drawing on examples of tangible progress across the region driven by sustained political commitment. Regional MPs then shared compelling firsthand accounts of how cross-party collaboration and persistent advocacy have translated into meaningful policy shifts in their countries. The conversation unfolded in an atmosphere of openness, genuine interest, and cautious optimism—laying the groundwork for future leadership.

Although no formal commitments were secured that evening, dialogue was constructive. Parliamentarians emphasized the need for further consultation within their parties and highlighted the upcoming National Development Plan as a potential entry point—particularly with the support of Hon. Zenteno.

At the Global TB Caucus, we know that progress on TB is not just a matter of health—it's a matter of political will. Through structured engagement, sustained advocacy, and collaborative leadership, we continue to demonstrate that where parliamentarians are empowered, national change is possible.