Global Coalition of TB Advocates launches youth-driven movement to strengthen tuberculosis advocacy

The Global Coalition of TB Advocates (GCTA), in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership (STP) Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS-R12) grant, has launched GCTA-Y, a youth-driven movement to enhance youth participation in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). This initiative aims to equip young advocates with tools, resources, and platforms to actively contribute to TB elimination efforts.

GCTA-Y was initially launched on World TB Day this year in Brazil, Cameroon, India, and South Africa, with ongoing expansions in Nepal, Kenya, and Indonesia. The movement brings together TB survivors and youth advocates from GCTA-Y chapters in these countries, working in collaboration with Stop TB Partnership Indonesia (STPI), the World Health Organization, the Global Fund, USAID, and national TB programs.

In preparation for the GCTA-Y Global launch, GCTA hosted a two-day workshop from November 10 to 11, convening youth advocates, TB survivors, and health leaders from seven priority countries. The workshop focused on TB literacy, rights and gender responsiveness, and community-led monitoring, along with the development of country-specific and global advocacy work plans. The workshop sets the foundation for the official GCTA-Y Global launch, marking a significant step toward youth-led advocacy in TB response.

Blessina Kumar, CEO of GCTA, highlighted the importance of youth involvement: “We are thrilled to see young people stepping into leadership roles in the fight against TB. Their energy, innovation, and commitment to a rights-based approach are essential for ending TB, and GCTA-Y is a powerful catalyst for this change. We look forward to witnessing these young advocates inspire and lead with their voices on the global stage.”

James Malar, from the Stop TB Partnership, noted the importance of youth advocacy in advancing TB response: “Youth have a transformative power to drive advocacy and change within communities, and with GCTA-Y, we are supporting a new generation of TB advocates to ensure we stay on track to end TB by 2030. Stop TB Partnership’s Challenge Facility for Civil Society prioritises investments in TB affected communities, including TB key and vulnerable populations and youth, to advance an equitable, rights-based TB response and that is why this partnership with GCTA is an initiative we are very proud to support.”

Bertrand Kampoer, Chair of the GCTA Board and Regional TB Advocate, also expressed his support for GCTA-Y’s mission, stating, “Youth advocacy is an essential force in the fight against TB. Through GCTA-Y, we’re empowering young leaders to bring forward new perspectives and drive community-based solutions. Our partnership with GCTA amplifies these efforts, ensuring that youth voices are at the forefront of TB response and creating meaningful, lasting change.”

The Bali workshop concluded with the formal establishment of GCTA-Y Global and a unified Global Youth Statement on TB, reinforcing the commitment to youth-led advocacy in the fight against TB. Through GCTA-Y Global, GCTA seeks to empower young leaders to contribute fresh ideas and innovations to TB advocacy on a global scale.