Pakistan ranks 5th among 30 high-burden countries struggling with TB.

Byline: Rahul Basharat

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan ranks on 5th place amongst 30 high-burden countries in world struggling to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) where above 100,000 cases go un-reported annually, speakers said on Saturday.

In an event held here on prevailing situation of TB in country, Advisor Policy and Strategy, National TB Control Programme (NTP) Dr. Syed Hussain Hadi briefly described the situation of Tuberculosis in Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan is on number 5th among 30 high-burden countries in the world and in such circumstances, Pakistan is trying hard to make this world free of TB suffering.

He said that to eliminate DR-TB (which is the worst form of Tuberculosis) USAID with the help of Pakistan team developed a pilot project to study the factors affecting DR-TB patient compliance, treatment outcomes and patient's treatment adherence.

Dr. Syed Hussain Hadi said that to overcome some of the barriers to accessing and adhering to treatment, a patient-centered supportive care package was introduced to address many of the non-medical challenges that patients face in completing their treatment e.g. financial difficulties, transportation, nutrition, depression, and stigma.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, National Advisor for MDR-TB, National TB Control Programme discussed the piloting delivery of comprehensive supportive care to people with Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB).

He said that the pilot project was implemented by National TB Control Programme in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership of Pakistan. The team forged close working relationships with the provincial TB programmes and local teams Association for Social Development and Association for Community Development at the two pilot sites to introduce the care package activities at ground level.

This project plays a pivotal role in improving treatment adherence, better treatment outcomes and also developed satisfaction in...