By Michael Gwarisa
Botswana has launched its National TB Caucus, a landmark initiative uniting policymakers, health experts, and civil society to accelerate efforts in tackling tuberculosis (TB). The launch, held in Gaborone, aligns with global targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB. With one of the highest TB incidence rates globally, Botswana is stepping up its fight against the disease, which remains a major public health concern.
Tuberculosis continues to pose a significant challenge for Botswana, with an incidence rate of 224 per 100,000 people in 2023. The crisis is further exacerbated by its strong link to HIV, which co-infected 44% of the 6,000 TB cases reported last year. Additionally, 250 cases (4.2% of total cases) were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR/RR-TB), making treatment more complex and costly. Recognizing these alarming statistics, the National TB Caucus has been established to reinforce political commitment, drive policy innovation, and mobilize resources to combat TB effectively.
The Caucus will work alongside Botswana’s National Tuberculosis Programme (BNTP), which has been in operation since 1975, to enhance existing strategies and introduce new initiatives. One of its primary goals is to reduce TB-related deaths by 95% by 2035, in line with the WHO’s End TB Strategy.
The launch has received strong endorsement from international and regional TB leaders. Rt Hon Nick Herbert CBE MP, Chair of the Global TB Caucus, highlighted the importance of Botswana’s initiative, stating, “Botswana’s National TB Caucus represents a critical step forward. With collective resolve, we can dismantle TB’s grip on this nation and establish a global benchmark for ending this ancient scourge.”
Hon. Dr. Josiah Makombe, Chair of the Zimbabwe National TB Caucus and representative of the Africa TB Caucus, emphasized the urgency of addressing TB. “Tuberculosis is an immediate threat that waits for no one, and neither can we. This Caucus represents a critical tool in overcoming obstacles and ensuring decisive action. As leaders, our commitment is clear: we will not delay, and we will deliver tangible results in the fight against TB—saving lives begins now.”
Hon. Kesitegile Gobotswang, Chair of the Botswana TB Caucus, reaffirmed the country’s dedication to eliminating TB.
With the launch of the Botswana TB Caucus, we are not merely combating tuberculosis; we are securing a healthier future for every citizen. Every Motswana deserves freedom from this preventable disease. Strengthening domestic resource mobilization and strategic investment is essential to ensure sustainable progress.”
To support these efforts, Botswana’s Parliament recently allocated funding in the 2025–2026 budget for the Ministry of Health to conduct a nationwide TB Prevalence Survey. This survey aims to provide a clearer understanding of the TB burden, enabling more targeted interventions. Additionally, Members of Parliament have pledged to prioritize legislation and funding to guarantee the continuous availability of TB medications in health facilities, mitigating the risk of drug resistance.
The WHO has also pledged its continued support to Botswana’s TB response, reinforcing the need for global collaboration in addressing the epidemic. WHO officials have stressed the importance of expanding rapid diagnostic testing and ensuring that all diagnosed cases receive timely treatment.
The involvement of civil society organizations is a crucial component of the National TB Caucus. Ms. Grace Banda, Executive Director of the Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Botswana, highlighted the role of advocacy groups in driving policy change and awareness. “We shall coordinate capacity-building initiatives to empower MPs with knowledge and tools necessary to become confident advocates for the TB response, especially on financing and fighting stigma and discrimination in communities.”
The stigma surrounding TB often hinders individuals from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment. The Caucus aims to address this issue by promoting public awareness campaigns and strengthening community-based TB initiatives.
Despite Botswana’s commitment to combating TB, significant challenges remain. The country currently has a high TB case fatality rate of approximately 30%, with fewer than one-third of those who contract the disease accessing proper diagnosis and treatment. However, Botswana has made notable progress in diagnostic advancements, ensuring that all diagnosed TB patients undergo rapid molecular testing.
To accelerate progress, the National TB Caucus will prioritize several key actions, including advocating for increased domestic investment in TB prevention and treatment, strengthening collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society, enhancing surveillance and research to improve TB control strategies, and addressing the social determinants of TB, such as poverty and inadequate healthcare access.
The launch event featured expert briefings and strategic discussions, inviting stakeholders from various sectors to contribute to the fight against TB. Participants expressed optimism about the impact of the Caucus and reiterated their commitment to turning political will into concrete action.
The National TB Caucus of Botswana is a parliamentary-led alliance dedicated to eradicating TB through advocacy, policy reform, and partnerships. As part of the Global TB Caucus, it brings together diverse voices within Parliament to meet Botswana’s health goals and contribute to the UN’s 2030 targets for TB elimination.
