On World Tuberculosis Day 2026, Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination and the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed their commitment to intensify efforts to end tuberculosis, a major public health challenge that affects more than 669,000 people and causes 51,000 deaths each year in the country. Pakistan carries 73% of the tuberculosis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and is the fifth most affected country globally. Every day, more than 1,800 new TB cases are reported in Pakistan, while around 140 people die from the disease, highlighting the urgent need for stronger action.
Under the World TB Day theme “Yes, We Can End TB – Led by Countries, Powered by People,” the government and WHO emphasized that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. They urged the public to make use of the 2,031 public and private health facilities across the country that provide free TB diagnosis and treatment in line with WHO guidelines. Pakistan currently reports a strong treatment success rate of 95%, showing that timely access to care can save lives and significantly improve outcomes.
Pakistan has made notable progress in expanding TB detection and treatment coverage in recent years. In 2024, more than 497,000 people affected by TB were reached, representing 74% of the estimated burden, compared to 331,800 people in 2015, when coverage stood at 63%. Over the past decade, the country, with WHO’s technical collaboration, has provided diagnosis and treatment services to around 5 million people. Rapid molecular diagnostic tools recommended by WHO have also been scaled up nationwide, with more than 562 GeneXpert sites improving early detection and faster treatment initiation. In addition, national TB guidelines have been updated to reflect the latest WHO recommendations.
WHO, in partnership with the Government of Pakistan and with financial support from the Global Fund, continues to support national TB control efforts by strengthening health facilities, expanding access to services, improving TB detection and treatment, reducing stigma, and promoting prevention. Support has also included training the health workforce and integrating TB care with mental health services as well as reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health programmes. These integrated efforts are helping to build a stronger and more patient-centered response to the disease.
The article reinforces that ending TB in Pakistan is achievable but requires sustained investment, coordinated multisectoral action, and community participation. Health officials stressed the importance of reducing transmission, preventing drug resistance, and ensuring that every patient completes treatment and is cured. With continued government commitment, WHO support, and stronger public awareness, Pakistan aims to accelerate progress toward ending tuberculosis and protecting public health nationwide.
