A significant step forward in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan was announced by U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho as they jointly launched a $9 million initiative to address this major health challenge.
Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB-LON) program aims to provide expert guidance and resources to effectively combat TB in Pakistan over the next five years.
This joint effort between the United States and Pakistan will focus on direct engagement with affected communities in Sindh, tailoring solutions to meet their specific needs and significantly reducing the number of TB cases.
Ambassador Blome highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Tuberculosis is not just a disease affecting millions in Pakistan; it is an illness that disrupts lives, livelihoods, and communities. Pakistan ranks fifth among countries with the highest rate of TB.”
To address this challenging health concern for Pakistanis, USAID and the Sindh Government has launched the groundbreaking $9 million initiative to provide expert guidance and resources to help eradicate TB, he added.
Sindh Minister for Health and Population Dr. Pechuho expressed gratitude for the U.S. government’s support and reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.
Dr. Pechuho expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the U.S. government and reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services. “We are confident that our joint efforts in addressing critical health challenges will bring a positive change in the lives of people of Sindh,” she added, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in addressing critical health challenges.
Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains the world’s leading infectious disease killer, affecting 10.6 million people and causing 1.3 million deaths annually.
Pakistan ranks fifth among high TB burden countries. USAID leads the U.S. government’s global TB efforts, working with partners worldwide, including Pakistan, to reach every person with TB, cure those in need of treatment, and prevent the spread of new infections. Local community involvement is prioritized, recognizing its critical role in ensuring sustainable and effective outcomes.