ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set new targets for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) under which 528,600 cases have to be identified annually by 2026.

It was announced during a dissemination workshop for the National TB Strategic Plan 2024-26, chaired by Health Director General Dr Mohammad Ahmad Kazi, that the number of cases treated in 2022 would be increased from 424,559 to at least 528,600 by 2026.

For this purpose, it was decided to maintain TB treatment success rate at over 90 per cent from 2024 onwards.

It was also decided to enhance the treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients. The participants attending the workshop were informed that a total of 3,684 MDR-TB cases were treated in 2022, while the target of 7,960 per year has been set for 2026, with the treatment success rate of over 80pc from 2024 onwards.

The drug resistance is developed through TB bacteria that are resistant to at least two most potent TB drugs.

The participants agreed to increase the proportion of notified TB cases with known HIV status from 52pc in 2021 to over 95pc by 2026 and to treat 100pc of identified TB/HIV patients. It was also agreed to improve and enhance tuberculosis preventive therapy to 80pc of household contacts and people living with HIV.

According to a statement, the event was aimed to share the vision and objectives of the plan, which outlines the country’s needs and strategies for TB prevention, care and control in Pakistan. The total expression of interest for the National Strategic plan is $533 million.

National Coordinator Common Management Unit Dr Razia Fatima, joined by provincial secretaries, DGs and partners, briefed the stakeholders at the event.

Dr Kazi expressed that TB strategic plan should be implemented in true spirits. He also acknowledged the efforts of all the stakeholders during the development of the national, provincial and regional strategic plans for TB.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2024