Pakistan like all countries across the globe will be observing World TB Day on March 24 with the theme "Every breath counts-stop TB now."
In the backdrop of the fact that one-third of the world population is infected with the tuberculosis, the theme holds particular relevance for all developing countries, including Pakistan.
With regard to relevance of theme "Every breath counts-stop TB now" for Pakistan, it must be mentioned that workload of the Tuberculosis Control Programme has increased tremendously with universal TB-DOTS or Directly Observed Treatment Short Course services available in all districts of the province and all out efforts are required to improve the quality of care provided to the TB patients.
In context of Sindh, concerned authorities suggest that the programme must also strengthen public sector facilities and develop partnerships with non-governmental organisations to involve the private sector in the fight against tuberculosis.
Although, sustained political commitment since the year 2000 has resulted in giving tremendous impetus and momentum to the programme, however, greater challenges are being faced to achieve its respective targets.
Fortunately, funding for the programme has been secured till June 2006 as the Sindh government has approved the PC-I extending the programme at a total revised cost of Rs 149.035 million.
The integration of TB-DOTS in the district health system is expected to help address the existent weaknesses in the programme and would result in better results of the programme making the DOTS progress more patient friendly using innovative approaches and operational research being carried out through the World Health Organisation (WHO) support to guide programme policies.
The Sindh-based TB Control programme also 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 mobilisation, advocacy and mass awareness concerning tuberculosis, monitoring and supervision and carrying out effective public private partnerships.
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 programmes
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation with support from the National TB Control Programme has considerably enhanced its technical support to the provincial programme.
In addition to the WHO Operations Officer for Sindh, Dr Ghulam Nabi Kazi and National Programme Officer (TB Control), Dr Amanullah Ansari, three more NPOs have been posted recently in various districts of Sindh to mobilise district governments and provide technical support to the Directorate of TB Control currently, headed by Dr Iqtedar.