Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, said that Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to completely eradicate tuberculosis, a preventable and treatable disease, in collaboration with the global community.
He said that even today, tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious diseases and continues to pose a major health, social, and economic challenge for many countries, including Pakistan. The disease particularly affects vulnerable populations and further exacerbates issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and inequality.
The Prime Minister stated that the Government of Pakistan has declared the elimination of tuberculosis a key public health priority. Under a comprehensive strategy, efforts are being made to ensure timely diagnosis, access to quality treatment, prevention of the disease, and proper patient care.
He added that modern diagnostic facilities are being expanded, laboratory networks are being improved, and surveillance systems are being further strengthened. At the same time, tuberculosis services are being integrated into primary healthcare centers to ensure continuous treatment delivery across the country.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that public participation is essential for the complete eradication of tuberculosis. The role of community health workers, civil society, researchers, and the private sector is extremely important in eliminating social stigma, ensuring timely diagnosis, and maintaining continuity of treatment.
He said that international cooperation, technical partnerships, and sustained global funding are indispensable for the complete eradication of the disease.
The Prime Minister appealed to federal and provincial governments, development partners, universities, the private sector, media, and social leaders to further strengthen joint efforts so that no tuberculosis patient is left behind.
