Commitments on the implementation of the Nairobi Strategy on TB and Human Rights were taken a notch higher with the convening of a two-day TB and Human Rights Strategy Consultation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Participants made a rallying call for the stepping up of efforts to ensure a human rights-based approach is integrated in measures to end TB. The Nairobi Strategy, which places communities of persons affected by TB at the heart of the response, was hailed as an important step in the right direction. Participants were united in their commitment to ensure that the strategy, described as practical and timely, is formalized and impacts on the communities of affected persons.
The Nairobi Strategy’s primary objective is to develop and implement a human rights-based approach to TB at the global, regional, national and local levels.
The consultation brought together communities, including lawyers, TB survivors, judges, donors, health care workers, representatives of civil society organizations, academics from across the world. Justice Key Dingake, in his keynote address, called for a vigilant and united civil society if human rights are to take root in TB.
During the meeting, the Tuberculosis, Human Rights and the Law Case Compendium, was launched. The compendium was developed and written by the International Human Rights Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School.
The consultation was convened by Stop TB Partnership, in collaboration with KELIN and the University of Chicago with support from USAID and was held on 9 – 10 March 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Efforts to end TB will not be achieved without the involvement of communities of persons affected by TB and respecting the human rights of all. This consultation underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for practical human rights-based strategies on TB,” Timothy Wafula, KELIN
To contribute to the discussion and for live updates follow KELIN on our social media platforms: Twitter: @KELINkenya using hashtag #TBRights
For more information contact:
Allan Maleche
Executive Director KELIN
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
4th Floor, Somak Building, Mombasa Road Tel +254202515790;
Cell +254708389870;
Email: amaleche@kelinkenya.org
Photo credits: Patrick Eba
