TB HLM 2023 Affected Communities and Civil Society Coordination Hub

We are pleased to announce the newly instated Leadership Group for the TB HLM 2023 Affected Communities and Civil Society Coordination Hub. This group brings together individuals from all six regions of the world and includes participation from strategic partners, representing a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing the goals of the Coordination Hub, and we are excited to have them on board. Read on to learn more about each member of the group and their unique contributions to the fight against TB.

The TB HLM 2023 Affected Communities and Civil Society Coordination Hub has been set-up to facilitate and support the work of affected communities and civil society to ensure meaningful engagement at all levels. We have brought on two lead consultants to support the work of the hub: Robyn Christine Waite and Priyanka Aiyer.

Dr. Robyn Christine Waite

Dr. Robyn Christine Waite (She/Her) is currently working as an independent consultant and squarely focusing her efforts on applying community building, project management, research, and advocacy skills to the fight to end TB. Before setting out on her own, Robyn worked with Results Canada, where she started as a TB Campaigns Officer and grew into the role of Director of Policy and Advocacy. During her tenure, she played a leading role in building and coordinating a high-impact coalition of 14 Canadian based CSOs engaged in advocacy in support of the Global Fund's 7th Replenishment. She has also demonstrated initiative and commitment to the cause and community through successful efforts to reinvigorate the Stop TB Canada network, as well as support with driving the progress of a global initiative to capture the experience of the pandemic amongst key TB stakeholder groups. Dr. Waite holds a PhD in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London; a MSc in Global Health from McMaster University, a Graduate Diploma from the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health; and a BSc in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University. When she isn't fighting for what counts, you can typically find her cat sitting, spending quality time with family, or outdoors doing something fun and active! 

Robyn can be reached at Robynchristinewaite@gmail.com and her Twitter handle is @WaiteRobyn.

Priyanka Aiyer

Priyanka Aiyer (She/Her) is a Communication Specialist with over 7 years of experience in designing and implementing multi-pronged campaigns at national, regional and global levels. Until recently she was working with the Global Coalition of TB Advocates as the Communications and Digital Media Officer where she worked with community members to provide hands-on training on communications and advocacy in addition to developing communication tools and ensuring meaningful community engagement at a global level. In 2023 she transitioned to an independent consultant's role. She continues to be a member of the GCTA and identifies as a person affected by TB. She is also the South-East Asia representative on the Union Community Advisory Panel.

Priyanka is the co-author of the Asia Pacific TB and Human Rights Advocacy Strategy, and she has curated the collection of survivor stories - Men and TB Stigma: Conversations of Resilience in The War Against TB. Priyanka holds a master's in film studies from Ambedkar University, India.

Priyanka can be reached at Priyanka.TBHLM@gmail.com and her Twitter handle is @PriyankaAiyer.