Papua New Guinea Strengthens Political Leadership to Sustain TB Response Amid Global Financing Uncertainty

Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has convened a high-level dialogue to address the future of tuberculosis financing and political leadership, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustain and strengthen its national TB response.

The event, hosted by the Papua New Guinea TB Caucus, focused on the implications of the Global Fund replenishment within the current global economic environment and the urgent need to increase domestic investment in TB programmes.

The convening brought together senior government officials, members of parliament, and global health partners including the World Health Organization and the Global TB Caucus, highlighting the importance of coordinated, cross-government action.

Opening the session, Hon Powes Parkop, Chair of the Papua New Guinea TB Caucus, underscored the need for sustained political commitment to address one of the country’s leading public health challenges.

Hon Ellas Kapavore, Minister for Health, outlined the current TB burden in Papua New Guinea and ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention, diagnosis and treatment across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Warren Entsch, Vice President of the Global TB Caucus, emphasised the central role of political leadership in sustaining progress against tuberculosis.

“Strong political leadership and increased domestic financing are essential to ensure that gains in the TB response are not reversed,” he said.

The dialogue comes at a critical moment for global health financing, with increasing pressure on countries to mobilise domestic resources as external funding landscapes shift.

In remarks delivered during the session, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Rt Hon James Marape, reaffirmed the government’s full support for the TB response and spoke from personal experience as a TB survivor.

“Tuberculosis does not discriminate. It knows no borders,” he said. “TB can be cured and contained, and it is in our national interest to end it.”

He emphasised the need to expand public awareness, strengthen early diagnosis and ensure access to treatment across all communities through a coordinated, whole-of-government response.

The event culminated in the signing of a parliamentary declaration to strengthen political leadership and accountability in the TB response. Rt Hon James Marape was the first to sign the declaration, signalling strong national commitment at the highest level of government.

A panel discussion on global health security and the future of TB, HIV and malaria financing brought together representatives from government, parliament and the World Health Organization. Participants emphasised the need for whole-of-government engagement, including ministries of health, finance and planning, to secure sustainable investment and strengthen health systems.

Speakers also highlighted the importance of public awareness in addressing stigma and improving early diagnosis, ensuring that communities understand TB as a preventable, treatable and curable disease.

The convening concluded with a renewed call for strengthened parliamentary engagement, increased domestic financing and sustained political leadership to drive the TB response forward.

Papua New Guinea’s leadership in convening this dialogue signals a clear commitment to placing tuberculosis at the top of the political agenda and ensuring that national action is aligned with the scale of the challenge.