Lesotho launches parliamentary TB caucus to strengthen fight against tuberculosis

LESOTHO—The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho has officially launched its National TB Parliamentary Caucus in a major step toward strengthening the country’s response to tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

The high-level event took place on 8 May 2026 in Maseru and brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, global health leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives.

Rt Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly Tlohang Sekhamane led the launch alongside the Minister of Health, Hon. ‘Mamokete Ntšekhe.

Other attendees included Global TB Caucus Chairperson Rt Hon Lord Nick Herbert; Head of the TB Caucus in Africa Hon Stephen Mule; representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO); regional delegates; and development partners.

The newly established caucus aims to strengthen political leadership, policy development, financing, and accountability in the national fight against TB.

Leaders at the event emphasized that the initiative will help coordinate a broader, multisectoral response that extends beyond the health sector.

In his keynote address, Speaker Sekhamane stated that Parliament is ready to play a leading role in addressing the country’s TB burden.

He explained that TB continues to affect communities socially and economically by disrupting livelihoods, education, and productivity.

As a result, he called for stronger collaboration between government ministries, healthcare institutions, community organizations, and development partners.

Lesotho reports progress but warns challenges persist

Health Minister ‘Mamokete Ntšekhe highlighted Lesotho’s recent progress toward global TB targets.

According to the Ministry of Health, the country has reduced TB mortality by 33% and TB incidence by 30%, bringing it closer to the Sustainable Development Goal 2030 and End TB Strategy 2035 targets.

Despite these gains, the minister warned that Lesotho still faces major challenges in diagnosing, treating, and preventing TB cases.

She urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to close remaining gaps, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.

WHO Representative to Lesotho, Dr. Innocent Nuwagira, described the launch as both timely and significant.

He noted that parliamentarians can influence TB outcomes through legislation, budget allocation, public advocacy, and oversight of national health programs.

He added that the caucus will help strengthen domestic financing for TB services while improving equitable access to treatment and care.

The event also named Speaker Sekhamane as Lesotho’s National TB Champion, reinforcing the country’s political commitment to tackling the disease.

 Members of Parliament will now serve as TB champions within their constituencies to support awareness campaigns and mobilize communities.

Growing global movement against TB

Lesotho joins a growing international network of countries that have established parliamentary TB caucuses under the Global TB Caucus movement.

The organization currently works with parliamentarians in more than 70 countries to strengthen political action against TB.

Recent initiatives across Africa have focused on increasing domestic healthcare financing and expanding access to TB services amid rising concerns over drug-resistant TB and global funding shortages.

Earlier this week, health and finance leaders from across Africa convened in Cape Town to discuss sustainable financing strategies and stronger political leadership for TB control programs.

According to WHO data, TB claimed 1.23 million lives globally in 2024, including 150,000 people living with HIV, while approximately 10.7 million people fell ill with the disease during the same year.