To commemorate World TB Day 2010, National TB Control Program, Ministry of Health Islamabad organized a “National Symposium with Stakeholders” on 24 March 2010 at Islamabad. The theme of the Symposium was ‘Lets join hands in the fight against TB’.
Dr. Rasheed Jooma, Director General Health speaking as a Chief Guest on the occasion appreciated the efforts of National TB Control Program. He termed NTP a diagonal program which is completely integrated in primary healthcare.
He further said that people of Pakistan should have access to basic group of health services that are delivered in uniform manner across the country. There is need to strengthen the ability of health system to deliver it. There is also need to make the services and the health facility attractive to the people of the country.
NTP is playing vital role in strengthening the national health system. There is need to strengthen country workers to bring the citizen into health system.
Bahroze Sabzwari, National TB Ambassador lauded the efforts of National TB Program. He said that World TB Day remind us the responsibility of every healthy citizen to join hands in the fight against TB. An effective campaign is needed to increase awareness of tuberculosis and encourage patients to seek treatment which was available free of cost across the country.
Dr. Islam Hamid General Secretary Stop TB Partnership Pakistan & Advisor, KCCI assured his full support and contribution for this nobel cause.
He further said that poverty and the health sector are one of the main areas that needed to be focused. One third of Pakistani population is living below the poverty line. The basic health necessities are ending.
The under developed countries even in 21st century lacked purified drinking water, there is low hygienic and proper sanitary system. Our resources and infrastructure cannot compete with the increasing rate of population.
Intervention is needed to be integrated in the policy and programs. There is need to extend Stop TB partnership. He concluded by saying that “we cannot add years to life but we can add life to years.”
Earlier, Dr. Noor Ahmad Baloch, National Program Manager, National TB Control Program sharing his view on the occasion said that TB is a deadliest disease which transfers from one patient to a healthy person. One person is responsible to infect 10 – 15 healthy persons.
He termed TB as the reason of many problems. It is a virus present in our environment and it is also responsible for economic problems.
There is need of evidence based approaches. NTP have moved forward with important Stop TB strategies. Media can play very important role in creating awareness of TB.