TB in Pakistan: A growing concern amidst lack of indigenous data
IV Report KARACHI: Pakistan observed World TB Day on March 24, amidst growing concerns over the country's alarming tuberculosis burden. Despite being the fifth-highest TB-burden country globally, Pakistan lacks indigenous data to inform policy decisions and track progress. According to experts, locally prepared TB data is crucial for understanding the disease's epidemiology, trends, and burden. This data enables policymakers and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about TB control strategies, resource allocation, and programme implementation. This scribe approached the Sindh health media coordinator for a yearly update and district-wise data on TB prevalence rates in Sindh, but did not receive any information. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) sounded the alarm on the nation's TB burden, citing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) TB report for 2024. To combat the growing TB crisis, the PMA emphasised the need for: - Prioritised Research: F...