Tuberculosis claims 140 lives daily in Pakistan

News Desk 

Islamabad: Tuberculosis remains one of Pakistan’s deadliest yet preventable health crises, silently claiming around 140 lives every day and infecting thousands more, even as global and national efforts to curb the disease intensify.

On World Tuberculosis Day, the Government of Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed their commitment to eliminate tuberculosis, urging stronger action, increased investment, and greater public awareness to tackle what remains the country’s most persistent infectious threat.

Despite being both preventable and curable, tuberculosis continues to affect more than 669,000 people annually in Pakistan, with approximately 51,000 deaths reported each year.

Health experts warn that over 1,800 new cases emerge daily, underscoring the scale of the challenge. Pakistan carries nearly 73 percent of the TB burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and ranks as the fifth most affected country globally.

Officials say access to treatment is not the primary barrier.

More than 2,000 facilities across the country offer free diagnosis and care in line with WHO guidelines, yet delayed detection and social stigma continue to hinder progress. Authorities are urging citizens to seek early medical attention, emphasizing that timely diagnosis can save lives and prevent further transmission.

Under this year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB – Led by Countries, Powered by People,” health authorities highlighted the importance of community participation and sustained political will.

Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a coordinated, patient-centered response backed by domestic funding and cross-sector collaboration.

Encouragingly, Pakistan has made measurable progress over the past decade. Treatment coverage has expanded significantly, reaching nearly half a million people in 2024 compared to just over 330,000 in 2015. The treatment success rate now stands at an impressive 95 percent, reflecting improvements in healthcare delivery and disease management.

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Technological advancements have also strengthened the response. The expansion of rapid molecular testing, including more than 560 GeneXpert sites nationwide, has enhanced early detection capabilities. Updated national guidelines aligned with WHO standards further support more effective treatment protocols.

International partnerships continue to play a critical role. With support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Pakistan is working to expand access to care, reduce stigma, and integrate TB services with broader health programs, including maternal and mental health services.

Still, the human cost remains stark. According to WHO officials, one person in Pakistan dies from tuberculosis every 10 minutes, a reality they stress is entirely preventable. 

The message from health leaders is clear: ending tuberculosis is not only possible, but within reach, if early detection, consistent treatment, and collective action remain at the forefront of the fight.

As Pakistan pushes forward, the challenge is no longer just medical, it is social, economic, and political. 

The path to eliminating TB lies not only in hospitals and laboratories, but also in communities, awareness, and the will to act before it is too late.