A significant meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Pakistan was held at Bridge Consultants Foundation in Karachi, where the impact of the complete cessation of USAID funding and the partial suspension of Global Fund support for TBrelated activities in Pakistan was discussed.

Key stakeholders attended the meeting and expressed deep concern over the current funding gap. Participants highlighted the potential effects of this crisis on TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts across the country.

Dr. Syed Sharaf Ali Shah, Executive Director of Bridge Consultants Foundation, addressed the meeting, emphasizing that the federal and provincial governments appear to be failing to grasp the severity of this crisis. He stated that the responsibility for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment lies with the government, and they should take ownership of the national TB program.

Dr. Syed Karam Ali Shah, Senior Advisor of Stop TB Partnership Pakistan, remarked that the primary responsibility for providing healthcare services should not fall on NGOs. He urged governments to take responsibility for controlling TB.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgent need to strengthen ownership of national efforts to eliminate TB. It was recommended to intensify advocacy efforts and ensure better utilization of available resources to continue TB services for underserved populations.