78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
High-level meeting on the Fight Against Tuberculosis
Statement delivered by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Estonia, Riina Sikkut
New York, 22 September 2023
Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
Eradicating tuberculosis is a critical global issue that requires our collective attention and action.
In Estonia, the fight against tuberculosis has been a paramount priority for the preservation of public health, and we have made significant improvements in this regard.
Over the past two decades, our nation has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the battle against tuberculosis. The number of new tuberculosis cases in Estonia has decreased by more than sixfold.
A strong and well-functioning organisational framework for tuberculosis prevention, control and monitoring has been put in place over the years, including rapid detection, early diagnoses, and free access to treatment, which adheres to WHO standards.
One of the cornerstones of our success lies in our unwavering commitment to providing tuberculosis treatment to everyone, irrespective of their health insurance status. This includes individuals who have sought refuge in Estonia, including people fleeing from the Russian Federations’s brutal aggression in Ukraine. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, and our actions are guided by this belief.
It is important to acknowledge that combating tuberculosis requires not only medical intervention but also a holistic approach that addresses the social determinants of health. Availability of social support and flexibility are therefore crucial for adherence to treatment. In Estonia, case management is applied to adjust the directly observed treatment to each patient’s individual situation. This is particularly important in case of tuberculosis and HIV co-infections. Possibility of teleconsultations facilitates easy access and helps to reduce the burden for the patient.
Estonia has a high proportion of drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis compared to the rest of Europe. To address this challenge and the broader issue of antimicrobial resistance, we recognize the imperative to develop actionable strategies for mitigating drug resistance and safeguarding the effectiveness of our treatment regimens.
It is important to point out that reaching and maintaining a level of low tuberculosis incidence is becoming more challenging by the year, as tuberculosis is no longer perceived as a public health threat. Therefore, raising awareness is an important aspect of further reducing the burden of disease.
In conclusion, Estonia believes that no one should suffer from tuberculosis due to the lack of access to healthcare. We are committed to share our experiences and collaborate with the global community to eradicate this devastating disease. By leveraging science, finance, and innovation we can put an end to the global tuberculosis epidemic.
Thank you.
