TB burden

In light of World Tuberculosis Day that has just passed us by, the World Health Organization has emphatically pointed out Pakistan's severe tuberculosis burden that is causing up to 140 deaths every single day. Around 1,800 new TB cases are brought in daily, and while it is an entirely preventable and curable disease, lack of awareness and delayed detection often causes patients to suffer unnecessarily.

As is true for most diseases, a major chunk of TB patients belongs to people from lower- and lower-middle class backgrounds. This is because undernutrition is an important factor in contracting the disease, and most families grappling with financial burdens often have to prioritise bills over health. Pakistan has over 2,000 public and private facilities that offer free diagnosis and treatment facilities, but citizens are often unaware of both: the available facilities and the symptoms that hint towards a possible TB diagnosis.

There are several arenas that the government must pay attention to when it comes to lessening the TB burden. First and foremost, ample awareness must reach both urban and rural areas that encourages people to get tested for the disease. A persistent cough, especially with mucus or even blood, is a common symptom that people should look out for. Additionally, because international funding from private sectors is generally low for TB given that TB products do not garner sufficient profit, Pakistan must divert its own resources towards standard TB medicines, paediatric formulations and vaccines.

Pakistan is the fifth most affected country in the Eastern Mediterranean region for TB and its efforts to curb the epidemic should match its burden. Certain efforts, including coordinated multisectoral actions, have already been promised by the government - all that is needed on their part is consistency. The public must also play its role by refusing to neglect early warning signs.