`War against TB must go on’

MN Report

Karachi: Discussing the strategy and future plans to control tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan, a core group’s meeting of “Stop TB Pakistan” stressed the need for involving parliamentarians, businessmen and the corporate sector in the war against the disease.

The meeting was presided over by Prof Masood Hameed Khan and its participants included the core group’s Vice Chairman Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, Hon Executive Secretary Dr Iqtidar Ahmed, Treasurer Dr Shahina Qayyum, Tehnical Coordinator Dr Mirza Saifullah Baig, provincial coordinators and focal persons from all the four provinces.
Dr Sharaf Ali Shah gave a brief overview of the current status of TB in Pakistan, way forward and objectives of the “Stop TB Pakistan”.

Underscoring the need for creating awareness about the TB among masses, Prof. Hameed Khan said that people should be asked to take preventive measures against the diseases, besides apprising them about its diagnostic and treatment facilities available in the country.

Participants of the meeting decided to reach the `missing’ TB patients for providing them free of cost treatment. They also resolved to set up offices of “Stop TB Pakistan” in all the four provinces.

The meeting also decided to organise TB awareness activities in different schools and colleges.

Shabbir Ahmed and Hashim assured, on behalf of business community, voluntary support to “Stop TB Pakistan”.