EDITORIAL: The stark figures released on this year’s World Tuberculosis Day by the World Health Organisation (WHO) should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan. Tuberculosis (TB), one of the deadliest infectious diseases that is both preventable and curable continues to claim tens of thousands of lives in the country each year.
With over 669,000 people affected annually and 51,000 deaths, the scale of the crisis is not just alarming—it is unacceptable. That Pakistan accounts for 73 percent of the TB burden in the Eastern Mediterranean region and ranks fifth globally highlights a persistent failure to address a known and manageable public health challenge.
The theme this year, “Yes, We Can End TB—Powered by People,” reflects optimism and possibility. Yet, the situation on the ground suggests a troubling disconnect between aspiration and action. When over 1,800 new cases emerge daily and approximately 140 people die every day, it becomes clear that the current response is insufficient. The statement by the WHO Country Representative that one person dies every 10 minutes in Pakistan underscores urgent need for decisive intervention. More importantly, the reminder that these deaths are preventable should provoke both outrage and accountability.
A major concern raised by the Pakistan Medical Association points to systemic issues that go beyond mere awareness. Chronic underfunding, weak health infrastructure, and shortages of essential medicines have collectively undermined TB control efforts. These are not new problems; they reflect longstanding neglect of the public health sector. While infectious diseases like TB disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, the lack of equitable access to timely diagnosis and treatment further deepens social and economic inequalities.
Ending TB in Pakistan requires more than symbolic commitments or annual observances. It demands sustained political will, increased budgetary allocations, and a robust healthcare delivery system that reaches even the most remote communities. Early detection, uninterrupted drug supply, and patient support systems must become non-negotiable priorities. Additionally, public awareness campaigns need to address stigma, which often prevents individuals from seeking timely treatment.
The role of international partners, like the WHO and Mercy Corps, is crucial, but the primary responsibility lies with national leadership. Health must be treated not as an expense, but as an investment in human capital and national stability. Without decisive action, the cycle of infection and death will continue, undermining broader development goals. The message of hope embedded in this year’s theme can only become a reality if matched by concrete action. Pakistan has the tools, knowledge, and global support to eliminate TB. What remains in question is whether it has the resolve to do so.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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