The President of Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari's Message on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on 24th March 2024
Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Message on the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on 24th March 2024
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Today, we commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB. It is one of the world’s deadliest diseases and according to the World Health Organization, it claims almost 3,560 lives each day globally.
As we commemorate World TB Day, it is crucial to recognise the gravity of this disease as it affects individuals, families, and communities across Pakistan. TB stands as the 13th largest cause of death overall. Pakistan has an estimated incidence of 263/100,000 TB cases annually, resulting in around 44,000 deaths each year. This calls for renewed commitment and intensified efforts to alleviate the burden of this disease.
I am glad that Pakistan is making efforts to improve public health with a special emphasis on the prevention and control of communicable diseases, including TB. Furthermore, TB services are being provided free of cost at government facilities across the country. Pakistan has also established a Common Management Unit for AIDS, TB and Malaria, which is collaborating for the development of uniform policies and strategies while facilitating liaison with national and international partners to deal with these diseases.
However, we need a more robust involvement of the private sector, civil society, media and community-based organisations, to play their role in raising awareness, case detection and management of TB in Pakistan. I believe that the fight to end TB can be won and it requires a united front and active participation of civil society and all stakeholders as well as the support of international partners.
On this World TB Day, let us reiterate our commitment to the theme "Yes, we can end TB!", and convey a message of hope to the people that it is possible to eliminate the TB epidemic through leadership, investment, and faster uptake of new WHO recommendations. Let us pledge to work collaboratively and tirelessly towards this goal. I am sure that together, we can create a robust strategy and make Pakistan TB-free. Insha’Allah!
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