Provincial TB Control Program, Punjab program manager Dr Muhammad Talha Khan Sherwani has said Pakistan could eliminate TB if the provincial government’s ongoing initiatives are effectively implemented, 24NewsHD TV reported.
He was speaking at a special event held at the Humdard Center on Tuesday to mark World TB Day.
Dr Shirwani stressed the importance of large-scale public awareness campaigns, calling it a shared responsibility to make Pakistan a TB-free country.
He highlighted that, under the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister and provincial Health Minister, modern AI-based X-ray technology is being introduced.
The technology, widely used in Europe for visa medical screenings, enables early detection of TB and helps prevent its spread.
Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami, chairman of International Relations at the Pakistan Medical Association, as well as experts Hakim Rahat Naseem Sohadri, Hakim Muhammad Sajjad Zakhmi, Hakim Tahir Qayyum, Muhammad Nasir-ul-Haq Hashmi, and Syed Ali Bukhari, also highlighted the country's TB plight and remedial measures on the occasion.
They underscored the need to combine advanced diagnostic tools with awareness campaigns to ensure timely identification and complete treatment.
“TB is a silent killer. It can remain dormant in the body and only becomes active when immunity is weakened due to conditions such as diabetes, poor lifestyle, or other illnesses. Early detection and treatment are critical”, they added.
They urged communities, health professionals, and authorities to work together to achieve a TB-free Pakistan.