Global Tuberculosis Day: Awareness Walk Held In Charsadda To Combat TB

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) Today, March 24, marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, highlighting the global fight against a disease that poses severe health risks and has profound social and economic consequences.

In Charsadda, a special awareness walk was organized to commemorate this day, with active participation from doctors, civil society members, and students. The purpose of this walk was to educate the public about TB symptoms and treatment while also evaluating global and local efforts aimed at eradicating the disease.

The Global Burden of TB

TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. In 2023 alone, approximately 10.8 million people were affected by TB, with 1.25 million losing their lives. However, efforts to curb the spread of TB have been successful in saving nearly 79 million lives since the year 2000.

TB in Pakistan: A Growing Concern

Pakistan ranks fifth globally in TB prevalence, primarily due to a lack of public awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and delays in diagnosis.

According to Dr. Zeeshan Hayat, head of the TB Control Program in Charsadda, the number of TB patients in Pakistan reached approximately 930,000 in 2024, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting 75,000 cases and Charsadda alone recording 2,900 cases.

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Dr. Hayat noted that the rise in TB cases is largely attributed to increased awareness and testing. Many cases that were previously undiagnosed are now being identified as people seeking medical attention upon experiencing symptoms.

The cost of a TB test at private laboratories can go up to PKR 15,000, but fortunately, government hospitals and Basic Health Units (BHUs) offer free diagnostic tests and medication for TB patients.

Symptoms and Treatment of TB

The common symptoms of TB include persistent fever, chronic cough, blood in sputum, and weight loss. Dr. Hayat emphasized that anyone experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks should undergo immediate testing at a government facility. If diagnosed, the treatment involves a six-month course of medication, which, if followed properly, leads to complete recovery.

Role of NGOs in TB Prevention

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Charsadda are actively working towards TB eradication. Imtiaz Khan Advocate, President of the Charsadda TB Association, stated that his organization has been fighting against TB for over 40 years. The association provides patients with a card that allows them to receive free monthly medication and testing.

Asghar Arif, General Secretary of the TB Association, shared that they have established a 'TB Network' consisting of young volunteers. This initiative aims to spread awareness at the grassroots level, particularly in high-risk areas, to educate communities about TB prevention and treatment.

A Call to Action

Participants of the awareness walk in Charsadda emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate TB. They stressed that while global initiatives play a crucial role in combating TB, local efforts are equally important in ensuring early diagnosis and treatment.

On this World Tuberculosis Day, it is imperative for communities to unite in the fight against TB, raise awareness, and take proactive measures to prevent its spread. By prioritizing early detection and treatment, we can move closer to a TB-free world.

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