ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that tuberculosis kills 140 people per day in Pakistan, it informed during World Tuberculosis Day on Tuesday.

The government of Pakistan and the WHO have reminded the public that tuberculosis(TB) is curable and that early detection and treatment are vital to save lives, encouraging people to visit the more than 2,000 facilities (both public and private) that offer free diagnosis and treatment across the country.

The data shared by WHO shows that the disease affects over 669,000 people and causes 51,000 deaths annually in Pakistan. The country bears 73pc of the tuberculosis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and is the fifth most affected in the world. In Pakistan, every day, over 1,800 new cases arise and 140 people die from tuberculosis.

Under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB – Led by Countries, Powered by People”, the ministry and WHO have called on all partners to invest in ending the world’s deadliest infectious disease.

Pakistan ranks fifth globally for tuberculosis burden, with 669,000 affected and 51,000 dying annually

“Despite global and fiscal pressures, the government is fully committed to end TB through coordinated multisectoral actions; sustainable domestic financing; and a patient-centred approach with participation of the communities and all stakeholders”, said Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal.

Pakistan has increased TB notifications and treatment coverage, reaching more than 497,000 people in 2024 (74pc of the affected population), compared to 331,800 people covered in 2015 (63pc of the affected population).

“In Pakistan, every 10 minutes, one person dies from tuberculosis. These deaths are preventable because tuberculosis is curable. Ending tuberculosis is not just aspirational; it is achievable. WHO will stand with Pakistan and its partners to continue to intensify early detection and treatment for all, no matter where they live or who they are,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng.

New diagnostic tools

WHO has urged countries to accelerate action to end TB and expand access to lifesaving services by using new innovations such as diagnostic tests that can be used near the point-of-care and tongue swabs that can help detect the disease faster, reaching more people.

The new guidelines on tests for TB that can be used near the point-of-care, issued by WHO, mark another step towards faster detection and treatment of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) expressed grave concern over the deteriorating state of TB control in the country. It claimed that despite the global theme “Yes! We Can End TB,” the reality on the ground in Pakistan tells a story of systemic neglect, chronic underfunding, and a catastrophic shortage of life-saving medications.

“Pakistan continues to hold the unenviable position of being the fifth highest TB-burden country globally, with nearly 686,000 new cases and 49,000 deaths recorded annually. Yet, the government’s commitment to the health sector remains disappointingly low on the list of national priorities,” Secretary General PMA Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said.

“It is a mockery of our healthcare system that while we talk of ‘ending the epidemic,’ standard TB medicines are frequently unavailable for adults, and the shortage of pediatric formulations is even more acute. We are failing our children. You cannot fight a bacterial war without ammunition,” he said.

In addition to that, Mercy Corps Pakistan has claimed that Pakistan’s TB response has been significantly strengthened through partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Country Director of Mercy Corps Pakistan, Arif Jabar Khan, said, “Ending TB requires more than medical treatment; it demands community awareness and equity in access to services. While we have made progress through our public and private partnerships, stigma and misinformation continue to delay care-seeking and increase transmission.”

Meanwhile, on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating tuberculosis, terming it a preventable and curable disease that continues to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly in developing countries, including Pakistan.

He emphasised that government institutions, civil society and citizens should join hands to control and eliminate tuberculosis.

He further underscored that strengthening healthcare infrastructure and investing in preventive measures must remain a national priority to effectively combat the disease.

He stressed that tuberculosis not only affects individuals but also places a significant burden on families and healthcare systems.

He stressed the need to enhance public awareness, ensure early diagnosis, and provide uninterrupted access to quality treatment for all patients.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026