PRESS RELEASE: Regional Parliamentary Summit on Tuberculosis Unites Eastern Europe and Central Asia in Almaty

2–3 October 2025, Almaty, Kazakhstan - More than 100 parliamentarians and public health leaders from Eastern Europe and Central Asia convened in Almaty for the Regional Parliamentary Summit on Tuberculosis, held alongside the international conference “Central Asia Free from TB: From National Achievements to Regional Leadership.” 

The event brought together delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, alongside representatives of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan, National TB Program managers, WHO, the Global Fund, the Stop TB Partnership, civil society, and scientific experts. This landmark gathering marked the first time that Members of Parliament and National TB Programme managers from across the region engaged in a joint dialogue on TB response and policy reform, reflecting a growing recognition of parliamentarians’ central role in driving political accountability and sustainable financing for health.

Throughout the two days, parliamentarians exchanged experiences and strategies to accelerate progress toward ending TB by 2030. Discussions focused on the implementation of the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting Political Declaration on TB, securing sustainable national financing, strengthening multisectoral collaboration, expanding community engagement, and ensuring accountability and transparency through legislation. Participants reaffirmed that parliamentarians are key drivers of change, with the authority to shape policies, allocate resources, and monitor national TB programmes.

Deputy Speaker of the Mazhilis, Hon. Daniya Espayeva, emphasised that parliamentarians carry a unique responsibility for implementing political decisions and overseeing budgets. “The Global TB Caucus is a platform uniting parliamentarians beyond party lines to turn global commitments into concrete action. Kazakhstan is already setting the tone by introducing innovations and moving towards sustainable financing, an example that inspires the entire region,” she said.

Kazakhstan’s delegation included deputies from all parliamentary factions, demonstrating that ending TB is a national, non-partisan priority. Among the participants were Hon. Daniya Espayeva, Deputy Speaker of the Mazhilis; Hon. Aigul Kuspan, Chair of the Committee on International Affairs; Hon. Guldara Nurym, Head of the National TB Caucus of Kazakhstan; Hon. Nurgul Tau; Hon. Azhar Sagandykova; Hon. Nurlan Auesbaev; and Hon. Irina Smirnova. Regional leaders contributing to the discussions included Hon. Venera Raimbachaeva of Kyrgyzstan, Co-Chair of the EECA TB Caucus; Hon. Gulzoda Mahmadshow of Tajikistan, Chair of the Committee on International Affairs; Hon. Parvana Valieva of Azerbaijan, Head of the National TB Caucus; Hon. Marina Li of Uzbekistan (Karakalpakstan), Parliament Representative; and Hon. Jamshed Murtazozoda of Tajikistan, Honoured Member of the Global TB Caucus.

“The MPs across EECA not only have authority but also real results to be proud of. Ending TB is a matter of justice and a right for every citizen,” said Hon. Guldara Nurym, Head of the National TB Caucus of Kazakhstan and Vice-Chair of the Global TB Caucus.

The Summit concluded with the adoption of the EECA Regional Parliamentary Resolution 2026–2028, reaffirming the region’s collective commitment to accelerate TB elimination by 2030. The Resolution calls for stronger parliamentary oversight and political leadership, a transition to sustainable national financing, the promotion of innovation and digital technologies, active community and patient engagement, strengthened inter-parliamentary cooperation, and enhanced transparency and accountability. “This Resolution represents our shared responsibility for citizens’ health. Parliamentarians must translate commitments into laws and budgets that save lives,” said Hon. Guldara Nurym.

Participants expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan, the National Scientific Centre for Phthisiopulmonology, the Global TB Caucus, the Global Fund, the Stop TB Partnership, and the Kazakhstan Association of Phthisiopulmonologists for coordinating the joint efforts that made the Summit a success.

“Today we witnessed a historic moment: here, in the new National Centre for Phthisiopulmonology, political will took the form of concrete commitments. This inspires and gives strong momentum to our daily work,” said Malik Adenov, Head of the National Scientific Centre for Phthisiopulmonology of the Ministry of Health.

The outcomes of the Almaty Summit will serve as a foundation for continued parliamentary collaboration across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, aimed at strengthening health systems, promoting innovation, and ensuring equitable access to care. Through sustained political leadership, the region continues to move closer to the shared goal of ending tuberculosis by 2030.