Pakistan ranks sixth among the 22 countries which run high risk of tuberculosis, contributing 43% of the disease towards the Eastern-Mediterranean region of World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to available data, the incidence of TB per 100,000 populations in Pakistan is 181; case notification per 100,000 per year is 150 while the treatment success rate is 85%.
Official sources said that more than 700,000 TB patients have been treated free of cost and 100% latest treatment methodology of DOTS coverage is achieved in the country.
They said training and health education materials have been developed and all health care providers concerned have been trained.
External quality assurance for sputum microscopy is implemented in 40 districts of the country.
The report estimated that currently one-third of the world’s population is infected with TB.
The World Health Organisation too is working on its plan to cut TB prevalence rates and deaths by 2015.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2013.
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