ISLAMABAD: Pakistan continues to face a severe tuberculosis (TB) burden, with approximately 140 deaths reported daily, as the Government of Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed their commitment to scale up efforts to combat the disease on World Tuberculosis Day.
According to official figures, more than 669,000 people are affected by TB in Pakistan, while around 51,000 deaths occur annually. The country accounts for 73 percent of the tuberculosis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and ranks as the fifth most affected country globally. Each day, over 1,800 new TB cases are reported nationwide.
Marking the day under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB – Led by Countries, Powered by People,” the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, through the Common Management Unit for AIDS, TB and Malaria, along with WHO, emphasized that tuberculosis is curable and that early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to saving lives.
The public has been encouraged to seek free TB diagnosis and treatment services available at more than 2,000 public and private health facilities across the country, which operate in line with WHO guidelines. Pakistan currently maintains a treatment success rate of 95 percent.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating TB through coordinated multisectoral action, sustainable domestic financing, and a patient-centered approach involving communities and stakeholders.
Pakistan has made notable progress in expanding TB detection and treatment coverage. In 2024, over 497,000 patients were notified and treated, representing 74 percent of the estimated affected population, compared to 331,800 cases (63 percent coverage) in 2015.
Over the past decade, in collaboration with WHO, Pakistan has provided diagnosis and treatment services to approximately five million TB patients. The country has significantly expanded the use of rapid molecular diagnostic technologies, with more than 562 GeneXpert sites established to enhance early detection and treatment outcomes. National TB guidelines have also been updated in line with the latest WHO recommendations.
With financial and technical support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, WHO continues to assist Pakistan in strengthening TB control programmes, improving healthcare infrastructure, and increasing access to essential services. Efforts also include combating stigma, promoting prevention, and integrating TB services with mental health and maternal and child health care.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng highlighted that one person dies from tuberculosis every 10 minutes in the country, stressing that these deaths are preventable as the disease is curable. He reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in enhancing early detection and ensuring equitable access to treatment for all populations.
The Ministry of Health and WHO reiterated that ending tuberculosis is an achievable goal, calling on all stakeholders to intensify efforts to reduce transmission, prevent drug resistance, and ensure complete treatment and recovery for every patient.
