Islamabad (Web Desk): World Tuberculosis Day is being marked today across the globe, including in Pakistan, with the aim of raising awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis and boosting efforts to end the worldwide epidemic.
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that Pakistan has prioritized the elimination of TB as a key public health objective. He outlined that a wide-ranging approach is being implemented to promote early detection, guarantee access to high-quality treatment for all, curb transmission, and provide comprehensive care to patients.
The prime minister highlighted ongoing steps to expand modern diagnostic facilities, strengthen the laboratory network, and improve disease surveillance. Additionally, TB services are being integrated into primary healthcare centers to ensure that treatment continues seamlessly across the country.
PM Shehbaz stated, “Today, on World Tuberculosis Day, Pakistan, together with the international community, reaffirms its commitment to completely eliminate the treatable and preventable disease of tuberculosis.”
He pointed out that, despite medical advancements, TB remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and continues to pose serious health, social, and economic challenges globally, including in Pakistan.
“The disease particularly affects vulnerable populations and contributes to poverty, malnutrition, and inequality, ”the premier said.
He further noted that World TB Day is observed annually to raise public consciousness about the disease’s impact and to strengthen efforts toward ending the epidemic.
Emphasizing the critical role of public engagement, the prime minister said that community health workers, civil society organizations, research institutions, and private healthcare providers are essential in reducing stigma, encouraging prompt diagnosis, and ensuring uninterrupted treatment.
He added, “However, international collaboration, technical partnerships, and consistent global funding are vital for the complete elimination of TB.”
PM Shehbaz called upon all stakeholders—including government authorities at federal and provincial levels, development partners, universities, private sector entities, media outlets, and social leaders—to join forces to make certain that no individual suffering from TB is left without access to treatment.