Abbottabad, March 24, 2026 Community Development Association Director Dr Kamal Naveed on Tuesday stressed the urgent need for early diagnosis and adherence to treatment, given that nearly 59,000 individuals are diagnosed with infectious diseases in the region annually.
He expressed these views while speaking to the media on the eve of World TB Day.
He said Pakistan ACD ranks fifth among countries with the highest burden of TB, and has been actively collaborating with the Regional TB Program since 2001 to reduce the spread of airborne infection across eighteen provinces.
Speaking about the ongoing efforts, Director Dr. Akmal Naveed highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in reaching remote populations.
Our collaboration with ACD ensures that healthcare providers in major private hospitals and health facilities receive free training, technical support and all necessary resources, including free TB medicines, Dr. Akmal said.
By empowering doctors, paramedics and laboratory technicians, we are bridging the gap in timely treatment, which remains a major challenge globally, where nearly four thousand patients face major health challenges every day due to insufficient access to care.
ACD also places great emphasis on community outreach, holding meetings in remote villages to educate residents about the signs and symptoms of TB. Common symptoms include nocturnal restlessness, night sweats, occasional hemoptysis (coughing up blood), persistent fatigue, decreased appetite, chills, and febrile seizures.
Officials confirm that a persistent cough or the presence of phlegm persisting for more than two weeks, in addition to chest pain, are all indicators of the disease.
Dr. Akmal also noted that community members are also being made aware of the importance of supplementary screening for close contacts of TB patients, along with the provision of free preventive medications.
He stated that tuberculosis is a treatable condition, with an estimated cure rate of up to 100% when detected and managed early. However, reports from the World Health Organization indicate that TB remains a major cause of death globally, which is why awareness campaigns are vital.
A diagnosis of TB is usually confirmed by a sputum test, with medications available free of charge from designated public and private health facilities.
While the active form of pulmonary tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, kidneys, and bones.
Health experts also explain that latent TB infection may not show any symptoms, and individuals infected in this form cannot spread the disease to family members or close contacts.
According to World Health Organization data, nearly six million people around the world are infected with tuberculosis every year, and about 670,000 people are infected annually in Pakistan.
Officials stress that with continued treatment and awareness, the fight against TB can yield significant results resultsHe urged the public to take advantage of the free diagnostic and treatment services available throughout the governorate.