Yesterday, Indonesia district mayors in the presence of their Minister of Health, Nila Moeloek and their Minister of Home Affairs, Tjahjo Kumolo, signaled their commitment to accelerate tuberculosis efforts, during the meeting, “Acceleration towards Indonesia Free of TB: Multisectoral Contribution.” These signatures and the plan attached to them are Indonesia’s response to the WHO Global Ministerial Conference in Moscow that took place last month.
Milestone
The signing ceremony marks a milestone for Indonesian efforts to eliminate TB. It serves to align local and regional governments and especially places attention on sustainable financing in the acceleration of Indonesia’s national TB control program (NTP).
Hope for the future
In attendance, were many government officials who spoke about the actions their ministries will take and their hopes for the future. For example, during the opening speech, the Minister of Health, Nila Moeloek, stressed how strengthening the collaboration between all parties at all levels was necessary. TB is not only “a health sector issue, but the nation’s problem”, so all disciplines—including the business sector, communities both religious and professional organizations—must come together and jointly work to end TB. She continued by expressing hope that each of the mayors present and all of those in Indonesia, would “prioritize TB in their agenda and actively support their NTP”.
Priority of the provinces
The Minister of Home Affairs, Tjahlo Kumolo, comments mirrored those of Moeloek. He mentioned that the community well-being should become the priority of the provinces and districts finance. He appealed to all local governments to place the TB control program in their regional development planning agendas.
Proud of multisectoral approach
The signing ceremony and the immense efforts behind the acceleration plan were made possible by the USAID funded, and KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) led Challenge TB project. KNCV is very proud of the steps Indonesia has taken in this multisectoral approach.