Islamabad‘s Symbolic Illumination Highlights Pakistan’s Commitment to Eradicating TB

In a powerful display of national commitment, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat in Islamabad was bathed in red light on March 24, 2025, commemorating World TB Day. This visual statement underscored Pakistan’s dedication to the global theme: “Yes! we Can End TB: Commit. Invest. Deliver.” The illumination, spearheaded by the Dopasi Foundation in collaboration with the Common Management Unit (TB, HIV, Malaria) and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, symbolizes Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eliminate TB by 2030, aligning with UN High-Level Meeting targets and the End TB Strategy.

World TB Day, observed annually on March 24th, marks Dr. Robert Koch’s groundbreaking discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium in 1882. This discovery was a pivotal moment, paving the way for the diagnosis and eventual treatment of this devastating disease.The day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against this deadly infectious disease and the urgent need for increased global commitment and investment.

The Stark Reality of TB in Pakistan and Globally

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health crisis, claiming over 1.3 million lives each year. Pakistan is among the nations most heavily burdened,with over 660,000 people affected annually. This places Pakistan fifth among high TB‐burden countries, reporting 510,000 new TB cases annually and shoulders 61% of the TB burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The situation is notably dire for children, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 1.25 million children and young adolescents (ages 0-14) fall ill with TB each year, with nearly 600 children dying every day from a preventable, treatable disease.

While TB rates have declined in the United States, it remains a concern, particularly among vulnerable populations. According to the CDC, in 2022, 8,300 TB cases were reported in the U.S. While this is a relatively low number compared to Pakistan, the U.S. must remain vigilant in its efforts to prevent and treat TB, especially among those at higher risk, such as individuals experiencing homelessness, those with HIV, and recent immigrants from countries with high TB rates.

The challenge of drug-resistant TB strains further complicates the global fight. These strains, which do not respond to standard TB treatments, require more complex and expensive therapies, and can be deadly if not properly managed. The emergence and spread of drug-resistant TB pose a significant threat to global health security, requiring coordinated international efforts to contain and prevent their further proliferation.

Government Officials emphasize Commitment and Call for Unified Action

At the World TB Day event in Islamabad, government officials reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ending TB by 2030. They emphasized the need for increased investment in TB prevention and treatment programs, as well as the importance of addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to TB transmission, such as poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate housing.

The officials also called for greater collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to strengthen TB control efforts. They highlighted the importance of community engagement in raising awareness about TB and reducing stigma associated with the disease. “political commitment is crucial,” stated one official. “We need to ensure that TB remains a priority on the national health agenda.”

Dopasi Foundation’s call to Action: Innovation and People-Centered Delivery

The Dopasi Foundation, a leading organization in the fight against TB in Pakistan, used World TB Day to call for increased innovation and a people-centered approach to TB prevention and treatment. The foundation emphasized the need for new diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and innovative strategies to reach vulnerable populations.

“Implementing the screening of high-risk populations and empowering survivors can be highly impactful,” a Dopasi Foundation representative stated. The foundation also highlighted the importance of addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to TB, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare. They advocated for a holistic approach that integrates TB control with other progress initiatives.

The Path Forward: Lessons for the U.S.and Global community

Pakistan’s efforts to combat TB offer valuable lessons for the U.S. and other developed nations, even though TB rates are lower in these countries. Dr. Sharma, a leading expert in TB control, outlined several key takeaways:

• Political Commitment: Highlighting the political will that drives the commitment and action.
• Strategic Investment: Increase the support of TB programs specifically.
• Targeted Interventions: Implementing the screening of high-risk populations and empowering survivors can be highly impactful.
• Community Engagement: Utilize the tools to effectively engage their communities, build awareness, and remove the barriers to healthcare.

These lessons are particularly relevant for the U.S., where TB disproportionately affects certain populations. By adopting a similar approach, the U.S. can strengthen its TB control efforts and protect the health of all Americans.

Dr. Sharma further elaborated on specific measures the U.S. should prioritize: “the U.S. should increase funding for TB prevention and treatment programs.” She also emphasized the need to “improve access to healthcare for high-risk groups,” including providing targeted resources for those facing homelessness, individuals with HIV, and recent immigrants from high-burden countries. Addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and housing instability, is also crucial to reduce vulnerabilities. she urged the U.S. to “invest in research to develop innovative tools for enhanced diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.”

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

One potential counterargument is that focusing on global TB control diverts resources from domestic U.S. health priorities. However, Dr. Sharma countered this argument by stating, “Global health security is intrinsically linked. TB anywhere poses a threat everywhere. The emergence of drug-resistant strains, as an example, can quickly spread internationally, threatening health here in the U.S. Prioritizing investment in global TB control, thus, protects Americans’ health.”

Another argument is that TB is a disease of the past. Dr. Sharma responded to this by saying, “While major gains have been achieved, TB remains a leading cause of death, notably in poor and middle-income countries.Complacency is incredibly hazardous and we must maintain high standards of vigilance, while continuing with our investment in research and global TB control to prevent a resurgence of the disease.”

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

ending TB by 2030 is an ambitious but achievable goal. It requires a shared commitment from governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and communities. By learning from the experiences of countries like Pakistan and investing in evidence-based interventions, the world can finally rid itself of this ancient scourge.

Dr. Sharma expressed her hope for the future, stating, “The dedication of healthcare workers, the progress in diagnostics and treatments, and the increasing global awareness are inspiring. The political commitments, like the actions in pakistan, are crucial. More than that,it is the increasing recognition that ending TB is not just a health issue; it is also an economic,social,and development imperative. The future lies in collaboration, perseverance, and a shared determination to achieve a TB-free world.”

Ending TB’s Shadow: A Q&A on Pakistan’s fight and the Global Road to a Tuberculosis-Free Future

To further understand the complexities of TB control and the lessons learned from Pakistan’s efforts, here’s a Q&A with Dr. Sharma:

Senior Editor: You mentioned the challenge of drug-resistant strains. What are the key strategies to combat and contain these strains?

Dr. Sharma: “Diagnosis is crucial. We must have rapid and accurate diagnostic tools to detect drug-resistant TB early. Secondly, improving treatment which consists of implementing effective treatment regimens and closely monitoring patient adherence to therapy, and prevention, involves strengthening infection control measures in healthcare settings, including ventilation, early detection, and isolation of patients with active TB.”

Senior Editor: What gives you the most hope that we can end TB by 2030?

Dr. Sharma: “The dedication of healthcare workers, the progress in diagnostics and treatments, and the increasing global awareness are inspiring.The political commitments, like the actions in Pakistan, are crucial. More than that, it is indeed the increasing recognition that ending TB is not just a health issue; it is also an economic, social, and development imperative. The future lies in collaboration, perseverance, and a shared determination to achieve a TB-free world.”

Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your invaluable insights.

Dr. Sharma: “Thank you for the prospect to discuss this vital topic. Let’s continue working towards a TB-free future. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!”