Parliamentarians Unite for a Stronger TB Response in Asia Pacific

The Global TB Caucus, in collaboration with the Korean Parliamentary Forum on Global Health, convened a Multilateral Parliamentary Dialogue on TB Financing at the National Assembly in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on 17 September 2025. The meeting brought together parliamentarians and health leaders from across Asia Pacific to discuss sustainable financing for TB, regional collaboration, and political leadership in advancing the fight against the world’s deadliest infectious disease.

Regional Solidarity for a Shared Challenge

Asia Pacific carries 62% of the global TB burden, with 6.7 million people falling ill and more than 700,000 losing their lives each year. While domestic investments now account for nearly 80% of TB budgets in the region, a financing gap of USD 12.9 billion remains through 2027. The dialogue provided a platform for parliamentarians to reaffirm their leadership in bridging this gap through stronger partnerships, innovative approaches, and joint advocacy for the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment.

Delivering opening remarks virtually, Hon. Putih Sari, MP for Indonesia and Co-Chair of the Asia Pacific TB Caucus, underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and urged South Korea to increase its contribution to the Global Fund. She emphasised that no country can end TB alone and invited colleagues to join the Global TB Caucus in collective regional action.

Political Leadership and Cooperation

The dialogue also marked a leadership transition, with Hon. Park Joo-Min, MP for the Republic of Korea and Chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, formally welcomed as the new Asia Pacific Co-Chair of the Global TB Caucus, succeeding now Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. In his remarks, Hon. Park stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary awareness and commitment to TB, ensuring it remains high on national agendas.

Hon. Dr. Ganmaa Davaasambuu, MP for Mongolia, was recognised for her continued leadership in promoting integrated approaches to TB and lung health. She called for sustained political will and invited colleagues to Mongolia to observe the country’s ongoing parliamentary and programmatic work in TB prevention and care.

Innovation, Financing, and Political Will

During the session, Daniel Sahanggamu, ASEAN Regional Manager at the Global TB Caucus, presented the regional outlook on TB financing and innovation. He noted the promise of new diagnostic tools such as rapid molecular tests, AI-supported X-rays, and vaccine trials but cautioned that these scientific advances will only save lives if supported by political action and adequate funding.

Professor Hojoon Sohn of Seoul National University highlighted TB as one of the highest-return global health investments, yielding up to USD 40 in benefits for every dollar spent. He urged Korea to leverage its strengths in biotechnology and official development assistance to lead on regional research and development partnerships.

From the civil society perspective, Ms. Hee Jeong Han, CEO of Korean Advocates for Global Health, reinforced the central role of the Global Fund in sustaining TB programmes, noting that the Fund has saved over 70 million lives since 2002. She called for Korea to double its contribution to USD 200 million in the 8th Replenishment, reflecting its global leadership in health innovation and solidarity.

A Whole-of-Society Commitment

Discussions throughout the meeting underscored several shared priorities:

• Political courage and continuity are vital to sustain momentum and keep TB high on national agendas.

• Domestic investment must grow alongside international solidarity to protect progress.

• Civil society partnerships remain essential to reach people in remote, urban, and marginalised communities.

• Innovation must be accelerated through dedicated research funding and public–private collaboration.

• Regional coordination through the Asia Pacific TB Caucus will continue to provide a unified platform for peer learning and joint advocacy.

  
  

Closing Reflections

In her closing remarks, Hon. Dr. Ganmaa Davaasambuu framed TB as an issue of equity and social justice, commending Korea’s leadership and Indonesia’s strong parliamentary action. She thanked the Korean Parliamentary Forum on Global Health, the embassies of Indonesia and Mongolia, civil society partners, and the Global TB Caucus Secretariat for facilitating this dialogue.

The meeting concluded with a shared call to strengthen political will, increase investment, and maintain solidarity across borders. The parliamentarians reaffirmed their commitment to work together through coordinated advocacy, domestic legislation, and continued collaboration to bring the region closer to ending TB by 2030.