World TB Day Observed at PIMS with Renewed Commitment to End Tuberculosis
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026 was commemorated at the MCH Auditorium of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
The high-level event was organized by Health Solutions Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, bringing together leading public health experts, clinicians, policymakers, and development partners to reaffirm their commitment to eliminating TB in Pakistan.
The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Imran Sikandar and supported by the PIMS administration, including Dr. Irum (DED Non-Medical) and Dr. Aneeza (DED Medical). Prominent participants included Dr. Ejaz Qadeer, Chairperson Health Solutions Pakistan; Dr. Razia Fatima, TB Consultant and Advisor to national and global TB initiatives UNOPS; Dr. Karam Ali Shah, Advisor Stop TB and Dopasi Foundation; and Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, Founding Member of Pakistan Chest Society. The event was moderated by Professor Dr. Nasim Akhtar from the Infectious Diseases Department.
Speakers highlighted the historical importance of March 24, marking the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Robert Koch, which laid the foundation for diagnosing and treating TB worldwide.
Dr. Razia Fatima shared insights on Pakistan’s progress in combating TB, noting significant improvements in case detection due to enhanced diagnostic capacity. However, she emphasized that a substantial number of TB cases remain undetected and called for stronger private sector engagement to address this gap. She also stressed the need for sustainable financing and a multisectoral approach to accelerate TB elimination efforts. Dr. Fatima was also recognized for her global contributions, including receiving The Union Medal in 2024, one of the most prestigious honors in lung health.
Dr. Ejaz Qadeer appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s leadership in the national TB response and reiterated the private sector’s commitment to supporting TB control efforts through collaboration and expansion of service delivery.
Dr. Karam Ali Shah highlighted the importance of strengthening capacity at tertiary care hospitals and called for continued engagement through technical working groups to effectively address institutional needs.
Professor Dr. Nasim Akhtar presented case studies on complicated TB management, underscoring the need for improved human resource capacity and integrated diagnostic systems using multi-disease testing platforms.
The event concluded with a symbolic awareness walk and the distribution of shields among TB champions in recognition of their contributions to the fight against tuberculosis.
The gathering reinforced a unified message that ending TB requires collective action, sustained investment, and innovation across all sectors.