Islamabad: Pakistan is continuing its commitment to reducing Tuberculosis transmission, preventing drug resistance, and ensuring complete treatment and cure for every patient. This was stated in a joint statement issued by the Ministry of National Health Services and the World Health Organization on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Ministry and WHO renewed their commitment to intensify joint action and invest in ending the deadly disease that affects over 669,000 people and causes 51,000 deaths annually in Pakistan. They called on all partners to invest in ending the world's deadliest infectious disease.

They also reminded the public that Tuberculosis is curable and that early detection and treatment are vital to save lives, and encouraged people to use the over 2,000 facilities, both public and private, that offer free diagnosis and treatment across the country.

Over the last decade, in technical collaboration with WHO, Pakistan has provided diagnosis and treatment services to approximately 5 million people affected by Tuberculosis. WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Luo Dapeng, said that WHO will stand with Pakistan and its partners to continue to intensify early detection and treatment for all, no matter where they live or who they are.