United States Helps Pakistan Fight Tuberculosis

Islamabad, March 25, 2014 (PPI-OT): In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Mission Director Nancy Estes presented the 2010-11 Pakistan Tuberculosis (TB) Prevalence Survey in an event at the Pakistan National Council of Arts. This is the first survey of its kind since 1987.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that usually infects the lungs, and is spread from person to person through the air.

This newest survey estimates TB is present in 348 out of 100,000 people, double the rate from 1987. Estes said, “TB prevalence at this level signifies that we must double our efforts to effectively combat TB in Pakistan.”

Minister of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar received the report from Estes and said, “World TB Day underscores the world’s commitment to control and eradicate the disease. Pakistan and the international community must work together to fight TB, if we want to eradicate it.”

The governments of Pakistan and the United States, the World Health Organization, the Global Fund and others financially support Pakistan’s national tuberculosis eradication program. Through this partnership, 1,500 laboratories and 5,000 treatment sites providing free diagnosis and treatment services have been established in Pakistan.

U.S. investments in Pakistan’s health sector saves lives, helps develop a healthy workforce, and increases prosperity and human development. To find out more about what the United States does to support Pakistan’s health sector, go to www.usaid.gov/pakistan/health.

For more information, contact:
Alberto Rodriguez
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Cell: +92300 501 2640
Tel: +9251-208 0000
Fax: +9251-227 8607
E-mail: webmasterisb@state.gov