Topic: 2024-Tuberculosis
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Anastasia Placanica
Pakistan, as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), is committed to the global fight against Tuberculosis (TB). As the fifth-highest nation contracting TB daily in the world, we recognize the urgency of this issue and are dedicated to finding effective strategies to combat this disease. Pakistan has an estimated 510,000 new TB cases emerging each year, accounting for 61% of TB in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Despite the significant burden, progress has been made. The National TB Control Program (NTP), with the support of The Global Fund and other partners, has established a strong care and surveillance network. Many cases are left unregistered, so there is a need for improved detection and reporting. This situation underscores the importance of our commitment to the fight against TB.
We acknowledge the WHO’s mandate to develop and disseminate evidence-based policy, norms, and standards for TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The WHO’s End TB Strategy, which aims to reduce TB incidence by 80% and TB deaths by 90% by 2030, aligns with our national goals. We also recognize the importance of the WHO’s guidelines on TB screening, which recommend symptom screening, chest radiography, and molecular WHO-approved rapid diagnostic tests. Our approach to combating TB includes a concerted government strategy to find and treat hidden patients nationwide. However, social stigma associated with TB often leads to underreporting and discontinuation of medication. Additionally, the private healthcare sector often lacks the necessary resources for TB treatment, leading to reliance on government-run hospitals.
To enhance our fight against TB, we recommend increasing funding: Additional funding is needed to reach the UN’s target for TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between public and private healthcare providers can help ensure comprehensive coverage of TB care. Improve Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns can help reduce the stigma associated with TB and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. Enhance Surveillance and Reporting: Improved data collection and reporting can help identify unregistered cases and monitor the effectiveness of interventions. Pakistan is committed to working with the WHO and other international partners to end the TB epidemic. We believe that with increased funding, strengthened public-private partnerships, improved awareness, and enhanced surveillance, we can make significant strides toward achieving the WHO’s End TB Strategy goals. Together, we can create a TB-free world.
Works Cited:
Thelwell, Kim. “Understanding Tuberculosis in Pakistan.” The Borgen Project, Kim Thelwell https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/logo.jpg, 23 June 2020, borgenproject.org/tuberculosis-in-pakistan/.
“About Us.” National TB Control Programme – Pakistan, ntp.gov.pk/about-us/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Pakistan’s Drive to End Tuberculosis.” Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, 7 Dec. 2023, www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/pakistans-drive-end-tuberculosis.
“TB Guidelines.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/publications/digital/global-tuberculosis-report-2021/featured-topics/tb-guidelines. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Tuberculosis Situation in 2020.” PAKISTAN TB Dashboard, www.stoptb.org/static_pages/PAK_Dashboard.html. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
“Tuberculosis.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.emro.who.int/pak/programmes/stop-tuberculosis.html. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
