The Global Stop TB Ambassador Ms. Anna Cataldi along with the Program Manager of National TB Control Program Dr. Noor Ahmad Baloch, Managing Director of McDonalds Raza and other officials participated in a lucky draw to determine the winners of a TB quiz organized at McDonalds to promote public awareness.
Dr. Baloch shared that McDonalds branded all its outlets throughout the country with messages on TB to create awareness among people visiting the food chain on a daily basis. He told that coupons with questions on TB were provided to McDonalds; those providing correct answers will get a free meal from McDonalds for which the lucky draw was organized.
The National TB Control Program’s efforts in creating awareness among masses, specially youth, gave a new momentum to its campaign with its unique partnership with McDonalds. These efforts have been made to save the lives of the people in the productive age group of 15-49 years, who are most vulnerable to TB, said Dr. Baloch.
Ms. Anna Cataldi drew the coupons of 20 lucky winners and appreciated this one-of-its-kind partnership. She said, medicines and food are the most important part of TB treatment as poor people with empty stomach throw out medicines and are thus unable to continue with TB treatment, which then causes MDR-TB, which is an emerging threat in Pakistan. She said that nutritious, wholesome food is one of the basic factors determining our health. Malnourished individuals on account of their impaired immunity are more vulnerable to contract infectious diseases like TB. She suggested that food baskets should be provided at primary health care facilitates to patients as an incentive to improve compliance with TB treatment. McDonalds is doing a great job by joining hands with the national program in eliminating this disease from the country, she remarked.
The MD McDonald’s ensured his full support in helping the program in its fight against TB. The fast food chain has designated a special corner where information material on TB has been placed for the public to pick and read, he added.