Parliament, Tuesday 4 September 2018 – Both Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces, today resolved to establish a South African Chapter of the Global TB Caucus.
The Global TB Caucus was established in October 2014. It is a worldwide network of parliamentarians which Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi co-chairs and which galvanises parliamentarians to become champions in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). TB is the world’s leading infectious disease killer, although it can be treated and cured.
At their plenary sittings this afternoon, the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces resolved to establish a coordinating body for the Caucus. The Caucus, itself, is open to all parliamentarians and legislators and membership is completely voluntary.
In their resolutions, the two Houses noted that TB is the leading cause of death in South Africa and that a South African Chapter of the Global TB Caucus was intended to raise awareness and would support efforts to accelerate the elimination of the disease by 2030 – in line with targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Caucus would also provide a platform to Members of Parliament and of Legislatures to champion the response to TB in their constituencies and drive political action to end the disease.
The South African Chapter of the Global TB Caucus of Parliamentarians is being launched this evening from 19.30 at The Westin, Convention Square Lower Long Street Cape Town. Media are invited to attend.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930
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