Honourable Chair and Distinguished delegates,

Multidrug-resistant TB poses a significant public health threat in both industrialized and developing nations. In 2022, there were an estimated 410,000 people globally who developed MDR-TB.

In combating MDR-TB, primary health care (PHC) plays a critical role. PHC are the first line in screening, diagnostic, drug monitoring, and implementing directly observed therapy strategy. The proactive action by PHC not only evidently reduced the incidence of MDR-TB, this will also help in de-stigmatization and promote early care-seeking behaviors.

Additionally, addressing MDR-TB in LMICs often faces challenges in insufficient resources, limited access to diagnosis, and choice of treatment, including the high prevalence of co-infections.

Therefore, we call Member States to:
Strengthen primary healthcare by enhancing MDR-TB prevention through comprehensive screening, diagnosing, monitoring and health promotion within the community.
Engage youth as health volunteers and leaders in TB related health promotion through innovation and community engagement.

Thank you.

Contact Person: Dr. Arwa Hany Sharaby, Liaison Officer to the World Health Organization - lwho@ifmsa.org