Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan remains one of the hardest-hit countries by tuberculosis, with over 140 people dying from the disease every day, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, 2026. According to the latest data shared by WHO, tuberculosis affects more than 669,000 people and causes around 51,000 deaths annually in Pakistan, making the country the fifth most burdened nation globally. Despite being a completely curable and preventable disease, these figures highlight the urgent need for stronger awareness, early diagnosis, and uninterrupted access to free treatment. The government and WHO have jointly appealed to the public to visit any of the over 2,000 public and private facilities offering free TB diagnosis and treatment across the country.
پاکستان سمیت دنیا بھر میں آج ٹی بی سے متعلق آگاہی کا دن منایا جارہا ہے، جس کا مقصد اس بیماری کے اثرات سے متعلقہ عوامی آگاہی اور اس وبائی مرض کے خاتمے کی کوششوں کو مزید تیز کرنے کی کوشش کرنا ہوتا ہے۔ اس دن کی مناسبت سے پاکستان کی وزارت صحت اور عالمی ادارہ صحت ’ڈبلیو ایچ او‘ نے ایک… pic.twitter.com/BhInBBDEeK
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) March 24, 2026
Key Highlights
- Over 140 Pakistanis die every day from tuberculosis, according to WHO data released on World Tuberculosis Day.
- The disease affects more than 669,000 people and causes 51,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
- Pakistan accounts for 73 percent of the tuberculosis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
- In 2024, more than 497,000 people were notified and put on treatment — a significant improvement from 331,800 in 2015.
- Government and WHO urge people to seek free diagnosis and treatment at over 2,000 facilities nationwide.
A Preventable Tragedy
The high number of daily deaths from tuberculosis is particularly painful because the disease is fully curable with timely diagnosis and proper medication. Health experts point out that many lives could be saved if people sought treatment at the earliest signs of symptoms. The government has made significant progress in recent years by increasing treatment coverage to 74 percent of the estimated affected population in 2024, up from 63 percent in 2015. However, challenges such as stigma, lack of awareness in remote areas, and occasional medicine shortages continue to hinder faster progress.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal stated, “Despite global and fiscal pressures, the government is fully committed to ending TB through coordinated multisectoral actions, sustainable domestic financing, and a patient-centred approach.”
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng said, “In Pakistan, every 10 minutes, one person dies from tuberculosis. These deaths are preventable because tuberculosis is curable. Ending tuberculosis is not just aspirational; it is achievable.”
Call for Collective Action
On World Tuberculosis Day, with the theme “Yes, We Can End TB – Led by Countries, Powered by People”, both the government and WHO have called upon all partners, communities, and citizens to join hands in the fight against this deadly but curable disease. The Pakistan Medical Association and organisations like Mercy Corps Pakistan have also highlighted the need for better funding, improved access to paediatric medicines, and greater community awareness to reduce stigma and encourage early care-seeking.
Pakistan has the tools and the determination to bring tuberculosis under control. With stronger public awareness, sustained government commitment, and active participation from civil society, the country can move closer to the goal of ending TB as a public health threat. Every citizen is encouraged to play their part by spreading awareness and supporting those affected by the disease. Together, Pakistan can turn the tide against tuberculosis and build a healthier future for its people.
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