ISLAMABAD, March 24: Pakistan has called for urgent, coordinated and sustained action to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as the country marks World Tuberculosis Day 2026, highlighting ongoing challenges including stigma, funding gaps and health system constraints.
Health experts and stakeholders say tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases despite being preventable and curable, with Pakistan continuing to bear a significant share of the global burden.
Global and national burden
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 10.7 million people contracted TB in 2024, while 1.23 million died from the disease. It spreads through the air and primarily affects the lungs, though it can also impact other organs.
Pakistan reports around 670,000 new TB cases annually, accounting for approximately 6.3% of the global burden, placing it among high-burden countries.
Strengthening response through partnerships
Officials said Pakistan’s response has been strengthened through collaboration between the public and private sectors. Mercy Corps Pakistan, working with the National TB Control Programme and provincial authorities, has expanded access to services, particularly in underserved communities.
Arif Jabar Khan, Country Director of Mercy Corps Pakistan, said eliminating TB requires not only treatment but also community awareness, improved access and stronger health systems.
He noted that stigma and misinformation continue to delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing transmission risks.
Need for community-level action
Representatives from partner organisations stressed that TB is not only a medical issue but also a social challenge linked to poverty and lack of awareness.
They highlighted the importance of bringing services closer to communities, improving early diagnosis and ensuring patient-centred care to improve treatment outcomes.
Call for sustained commitment
Experts emphasised that eliminating TB in Pakistan will require sustained political commitment, increased investment and strengthened healthcare systems.
They called for expanding preventive treatment, ensuring uninterrupted medicine supply and enhancing community awareness to meet national and global targets.
Stakeholders reiterated that ending tuberculosis is achievable through collective action, strong partnerships and long-term commitment.
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