Islamabad, Pakistan – On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the government of Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed their commitment to combating the disease, which affects over 669,000 people and causes 51,000 deaths annually within the country. The collaborative effort focuses on intensifying action and investing in resources to end TB, a curable but deadly illness.
Increased Efforts and Treatment Access
Pakistan is currently the fifth most affected country globally, bearing 73% of the tuberculosis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Despite this significant challenge, the nation has made strides in increasing TB notifications and treatment coverage. More than 497,000 people received treatment in 2024, representing 74% of the affected population – an increase from 63% in 2015, when 331,800 people were covered.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that the government remains “fully committed to end TB through coordinated multisectoral actions; sustainable domestic financing; and a patient-centered approach with participation of the communities and all stakeholders.” The initiative emphasizes early diagnosis, with over 2,031 public and private facilities offering free diagnosis and treatment following WHO guidelines. Pakistan currently boasts a 95% treatment success rate.
A Decade of Progress
Over the past decade, Pakistan, in collaboration with the WHO, has provided diagnosis and treatment services to approximately 5 million people affected by TB. This progress includes updating national TB guidelines to align with the latest WHO recommendations.
The WHO, with financial support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, is working alongside the Government of Pakistan to strengthen national TB control programs, improve health facilities, and combat stigma. Efforts also include capacity-building for the health workforce and integrating TB services with other essential healthcare areas.
WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Luo Dapeng, emphasized the preventability of TB-related deaths, stating, “In Pakistan, every 10 minutes, one person dies from tuberculosis. These deaths are preventable, as tuberculosis is curable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tuberculosis curable in Pakistan?
Yes, tuberculosis is curable in Pakistan, with a current treatment success rate of 95%.
How many people are affected by tuberculosis in Pakistan?
Over 669,000 people are affected by tuberculosis in Pakistan annually.
Where can people in Pakistan access free tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment?
People in Pakistan can access free diagnosis and treatment at more than 2,031 facilities, both public and private, across the country.
As Pakistan continues to prioritize TB elimination, will sustained investment and community engagement prove sufficient to overcome the challenges posed by this widespread disease?
