KARACHI, Feb 8: In the backdrop of the fact that one third of the world population is infected with tuberculosis, this year's theme "Every Breath Counts - Stop TB Now" holds particular relevance for Pakistan.

Over 18 million individuals are estimated to be actively suffering from the disease while each year eight million individuals develop tuberculosis and two million die of it.

Public awareness and the involvement of civil society in the cause of TB elimination remains sub-optimal and it is imperative to infuse a sense of urgency in the TB movement and ensure acceleration of all efforts to meet the World Health Assembly targets for 2005 - 70 per cent case detection and 85 per cent cure rate.

With regard to the relevance of theme "Every Breath Counts - Stop TB Now" for Pakistan, it must be mentioned that work load of the Tuberculosis Control Programme has increased tremendously with universal TB-DOTS or Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) services available in all districts of the province. All out efforts are required to improve the quality of care provided to the TB patients.

Although sustained political commitment since 2000 has resulted in giving tremendous impetus and momentum to the programme, greater challenges are being faced to achieve its respective targets. Fortunately, funding for the programme has been secured till June 2006, as the government of Sindh has approved the PC-I extending the programme at a total revised cost of Rs149.035 million.

The Sindh-based TB control programme needs to define the roles and responsibilities of various categories of health personnel, develop strategies for critical operational elements with provision for uninterrupted supply of drugs, laboratory reagents, recording and reporting material, community mobilization and carrying out effective public-private partnership.

Accordingly, a strategic plan has been drafted with the support of National TB Control Programme incorporating schedule of the major activities and identifying inputs, requirements and deficiencies in the programme.

Sindh Health Secretary Ashiq Hussein Memon and National TB Control Programme Manger Dr Syed Karam Shah are monitoring the programme at regular intervals. They will soon formulate the final recommendations regarding the programme.

The secretary has taken steps to ensure that the responsibilities of District TB Coordinator are assigned to the Deputy District (Curative) in line with the devolution plan, thus, integrating TB control activities in the newly devolved district system. Some measures have also been taken for imposing a ban on transfer of doctors and other health personnel trained in TB-DOTS all over the province. -APP