Soroti, Uganda – Uganda Stop TB Partnership (USTP), serving as the National TB Constituent Secretariat, in collaboration with the Uganda Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), hosted a pivotal one-day regional advocacy meeting in Soroti at Akello Hotel. The event brought together key tuberculosis stakeholders from the Eastern region to align efforts, share critical updates, and refine strategies for accelerating Uganda’s TB response.
The meeting focused on enhancing regional accountability and equipping participants with tools to address gaps in TB prevention, care, and funding. Highlights included a deep dive into community-led monitoring using the One Impact digital platform—a Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS)-supported initiative funded by the Stop TB Partnership-Geneva. Stakeholders also reviewed the TB Constituency’s Communication and Advocacy Plan and received progress updates on Uganda’s commitments under the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) TB targets.
Key Outcomes and Discussions:
- Grant Updates: Participants explored the status of Stop TB Partnership/UNOPS grants, Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, and other active TB funding mechanisms in Uganda.
- Progress Review: The forum evaluated action points from previous regional advocacy events, emphasizing sustainable solutions to strengthen healthcare systems and community engagement.
- Policy Alignment: Discussions emphasized harmonizing regional efforts with national priorities to improve TB detection, treatment access, and stigma reduction.
“This meeting reaffirms the power of regional collaboration,” said a USTP representative. “By empowering stakeholders with data, tools, and unified strategies, we’re bridging gaps between policy and grassroots action.”
The dialogue also underscored the need to leverage One Impact for real-time community feedback, ensuring TB programs remain responsive to local needs. Journalists and civil society leaders pledged to amplify advocacy efforts, while policymakers committed to prioritizing TB in regional development plans.
USTP and Uganda CCM continue to champion a multi-sectoral approach to TB elimination, ensuring no community is left behind in the fight against the disease. Stay tuned as these regional insights shape national progress!