Pakistan Strengthens Tuberculosis Response with WHO Support
On World Tuberculosis Day 2026, Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed their commitment to intensify the fight against tuberculosis. With over 669,000 cases and 51,000 deaths annually, Pakistan remains one of the most affected countries worldwide, carrying 73% of the TB burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Despite the scale of the challenge, Pakistan has made significant progress. The country now reports a 95% treatment success rate, showing that timely diagnosis and access to care can save lives. In 2024 alone, more than 497,000 patients received treatment, covering 74% of the estimated burden, compared to just 63% in 2015.
Healthcare infrastructure has also expanded. Across Pakistan, 2,031 public and private facilities provide free TB diagnosis and treatment in line with WHO guidelines. Additionally, over 562 GeneXpert sites are operational, enabling rapid molecular testing for early detection and reducing delays in treatment.
WHO, working closely with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services and the Global Fund, is supporting efforts to strengthen facilities, train healthcare workers, and integrate TB care with other essential services such as mental health and maternal-child health. Updated national TB guidelines are also helping standardize care across the country.
Experts emphasize that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable, but delays in diagnosis and incomplete treatment increase risks of transmission and drug resistance. Public awareness campaigns and community participation are therefore critical to ending TB.
Pakistan’s progress over the past decade—reaching 5 million patients with diagnosis and treatment services—demonstrates that sustained investment and international collaboration can deliver results. However, the epidemic’s scale demands coordinated multisectoral action to accelerate progress.
With stronger detection, prevention, and community engagement, Pakistan aims to move closer to the global goal of ending tuberculosis, ensuring healthier futures for millions of people.
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