More Than 50 Parliamentarians Unite Behind TB Action in Papua New Guinea
- Global TB Caucus
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Political leadership is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against tuberculosis. In Papua New Guinea, that leadership is gaining momentum.
More than 50 Members of Parliament have signed a declaration supporting the Papua New Guinea Parliamentary TB Caucus, marking one of the strongest demonstrations of political commitment to ending TB in the country's recent history. The declaration reflects growing recognition that TB is not only a health challenge but a political one that requires sustained leadership, accountability and investment.
The Papua New Guinea Parliamentary TB Caucus is chaired by Hon. Powes Parkop, MP, with Hon. Robert Naguri, MP, serving as Deputy Chair. Together, they are helping to strengthen parliamentary engagement on one of the country's most pressing public health priorities.
For Papua New Guinea, the challenge is significant. The country continues to face one of the highest TB burdens in the world, compounded by drug-resistant forms of the disease and health system challenges that make it harder for people to access timely diagnosis, treatment and care.
The growing support behind the Caucus demonstrates an understanding that ending TB will require more than technical solutions alone. It will require political will. It will require parliamentarians who are prepared to champion stronger policies, secure sustainable funding and hold governments accountable for delivering results.
As Hon. Robert Naguri noted, the declaration signals growing national unity around the fight against TB and reinforces Parliament's role in improving health outcomes for all Papua New Guineans.
Papua New Guinea joined the Global TB Caucus movement in 2023, becoming part of a global network of parliamentarians working across borders and political divides to drive action against TB. Since then, efforts have focused on strengthening political accountability and increasing investment in TB prevention, diagnosis and care.
The commitment from more than 50 MPs comes at a critical moment. Earlier this year, stakeholders participating in a national TB advocacy workshop concluded that reliance on external support alone is not sustainable and that stronger domestic leadership is essential to accelerate progress towards ending TB.
In response, the Caucus has outlined an ambitious agenda. Priorities include advocating for the proposed PGK 1.5 billion TB Elimination Plan (2025–2035), strengthening parliamentary oversight of TB programmes and financing, and ensuring quality TB services reach rural and underserved communities across the country.
These commitments reflect a broader truth that is increasingly recognised around the world: TB is preventable, treatable and curable, yet it continues to claim lives because it has too often been neglected. Political leadership changes that equation.
When parliamentarians step forward, they help transform commitments into action. They help ensure that funding reaches communities, that policies reflect people's needs and that health remains a national priority.
The declaration signed by more than 50 Members of Parliament is more than a statement of support. It is a signal that Papua New Guinea is building the political foundations needed to accelerate progress against TB.
Ending TB requires leadership. Papua New Guinea's parliamentarians are showing what that leadership can look like. Read more: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/over-50-mps-sign-declaration-as-png-tb-caucus-gains-strong-parliamentary-support/
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