Senior Provincial TB Control Programme Officer, Syed Saleem Hasan Kazmi has emphasised the importance of preventive treatment and awareness in combating Tuberculosis (TB) and highlighted that it is the second most common cause of death among infectious diseases globally claiming million of lives annually.
Talking to a private news channel, Kazmi explained that Pakistan ranks fifth among 22 countries severely affected by TB, adding that this alarming ranking highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat the spread of TB in Pakistan.
TB is a major public health concern in Pakistan, with a high burden of cases and deaths attributed to the disease, he said, adding that the country's fifth position among the 22 highly TB-affected countries underscores the need for sustained efforts to control and eliminate TB.
Kazmi emphasised that TB is a curable disease, but it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. He stressed the importance of awareness and education in preventing the spread of TB, as well as the need for increased access to quality healthcare services for early detection and treatment.
The officer's remarks came as a wake-up call for the government, healthcare professionals, and the general public to join hands in combating TB. By working together, Pakistan can hope to reduce the incidence of TB and improve the health and well-being of its citizens, he added. Dr Kazmi also highlighted the link between Hepatitis and TB, emphasising that individuals with Hepatitis are more susceptible to contracting TB.
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