Keeping in view the importance of media in creating awareness, changing perceptions, shaping opinions and advocating policy makers, “Stop TB Partnership Pakistan” arranged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony with five private TV channels, a renowned medical journal of Pakistan and a media production & event management company recently at a local hotel in Islamabad.
The signing ceremony was chaired by Prof. Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor, Dow University of Medical Sciences (DUHS) Karachi, Dr. Khalif Bile Mohamud, Country Representative WHO, Dr. Noor Ahmad Baloch, National Program Manager, National TB Control Program Islamabad and representatives of both print and electronic media partners.
Prof. Masood Hameed Khan speaking as a chief guest appreciated the efforts of National TB Control Program and termed it a strong move of NTP to involve both print and electronic media in the fight against TB. He assured that, DUHS would involve its students in raising awareness about TB.
He further said Pakistan currently ranks on the 8th position among the 22 high-burden TB countries of the world but collective efforts with the media will change the scenario.
Dr. Khalif Bile termed TB as a major public health challenge in Pakistan. He said that 3,00,000 people in Pakistan develop TB every year.
He appreciated the Stop TB Partnership Pakistan and National TB Control Program for engaging both print and electronic media in the fight against TB. This partnership is to fight for the patients and reduce the risk of MDR TB from the country, he added.
Earlier, Dr. Noor Ahmad Baloch speaking on the occasion said that this partnership is a key component of NTP’s vision for TB control. It is a proposed partnership which have facilitated many countries to establish Stop TB Partnership and it is one of them.
“Without participation or alone the government sector cannot control TB. It is a very complex scenario for patients, community and nation. The stigma is attached with the disease and the patient. There is a need to involve people from all walks of life so that we can help in improving the quality of their lives, he added.
The electronic media partner will organize series of musical events, talks shows, documentaries etc. that will be aired at different timing in connection with the upcoming World TB Day. They are committed to highlight TB related issues in different TV programs as well as they will also produce and air Public Service Messages during World TB Day. Coverage of all TB related activities will also be provided by them.
The renowned medical journal of Pakistan will promote TB related issues in their journal and website. This support will be an asset for Stop TB Partnership Pakistan.