The WHO South-East Asia Region has pledged to intensify efforts in eradicating tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, adopting the Gandhinagar Declaration. Following a two-day meeting in Gujarat, member countries endorsed the declaration, which seeks to establish high-level multisectoral commissions for cohesive efforts against TB and priority diseases. These commissions aim to ensure equitable TB services through integrated primary healthcare, allocate resources for service coverage targets, and advance health systems. The declaration also urges sustained WHO leadership, research-backed approaches, and collaborative support from partners to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals for disease eradication.
Prelims pointer
- Gandhinagar Declaration: A commitment made by the WHO South-East Asia Region to intensify actions against tuberculosis, involving high-level multisectoral commissions for coordinated efforts, resource allocation, and equitable healthcare services.
- Multisectoral Commission: A high-level body comprising representatives from multiple sectors, dedicated to coordinating and aligning efforts to address complex challenges like tuberculosis through collaborative actions.
- Universal Health Coverage: Ensuring that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship, forming a key component of sustainable development and public health goals.
- Social Determinants: Underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes and contribute to health disparities among different population groups.
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of global goals established by the United Nations to address various societal challenges, including the eradication of diseases like tuberculosis, and promote sustainable development and well-being worldwide.