WHO and Pakistan call for urgent investment to end tuberculosis
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Pakistan urged all stakeholders to make urgent investments to eliminate a life-threatening disease that affects over 686,000 individuals and claims 47,000 lives each year in Pakistan. The country accounts for 73% of the TB burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and ranks as the fifth most affected globally.
With the theme “Yes, We Can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver,” WHO and Pakistan marked the observance of World TB Day on March 24, highlighting the critical need to combat this curable and preventable infectious disease, which remains one of the deadliest worldwide.WHO prequalifies the first vaccine against mpox
“The Government of Pakistan is dedicated to eradicating TB through 1,900 diagnostic centers, free treatment services, and high-quality laboratory facilities. Our National Strategic Plan is designed to address the remaining obstacles and transform commitments into concrete actions. Strong partnerships and collaboration are key to achieving a TB-free Pakistan. Through collective efforts, we can truly eliminate TB,” stated Mirza Nasir-ud-Din Mashud, Special Secretary at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination.
Pakistan has significantly increased TB case notifications and treatment coverage, reaching over 490,000 people in 2024 (70% of those affected), compared to 331,800 people in 2015 (57% of affected individuals).
Over the past ten years, in collaboration with WHO, Pakistan has provided diagnostic and treatment services to 3.7 million TB patients. The country has expanded WHO-endorsed rapid molecular diagnostic facilities nationwide, with over 530 GeneXpert centers enhancing early detection and treatment. Additionally, Pakistan has revised its National TB Guidelines to align with WHO’s latest recommendations.
WHO and the Government of Pakistan continue to work closely to strengthen TB control initiatives, enhance healthcare infrastructure, improve access to TB services, expand early detection and treatment efforts, fight stigma, and promote TB prevention and management. WHO has also supported health workforce training and the integration of TB care with mental health, reproductive health, maternal and child health services.
“Tuberculosis is both preventable and curable, and together, we can eliminate it. Despite the challenges, Pakistan has made remarkable progress due to the dedication of the government and frontline healthcare workers,” said Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan. “WHO remains committed to supporting Pakistan in eradicating this global threat, ensuring no one is left behind. This is crucial to achieving the 2030 Agenda and preventing a worsening epidemic.”
On World TB Day, WHO calls upon individuals, communities, organizations, donors, and governments to take collective action in the fight against TB. Without sustained efforts from all stakeholders, progress could be reversed, putting millions at risk and threatening global health security.
WHO and the Government of Pakistan remain united in their mission to combat tuberculosis, striving toward the shared goal of ensuring healthcare for all, with a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations.
