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TB and Public Health

Tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan: A Public Health Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan: A Public Health Overview Tuberculosis remains one of the most significant infectious disease challenges in Pakistan, placing a heavy burden on public health systems and vulnerable communities. This overview examines the scale of the epidemic, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and the critical role of coordinated response efforts.

Global and National Burden

Globally, TB affects approximately 2 billion people annually, underscoring its persistent threat. Pakistan bears a disproportionate share of this burden:

Rank

5th highest TB burden country in the world.

Contribution

Accounts for 6.2% of global TB cases.

Reported Cases (2024)

687,000 new cases were officially notified.

Diagnostic Capacity

Probabilistic models suggest a case notification rate of roughly 250 suspected cases per 100,000 population in sampled high-burden areas

The Growing Challenge of Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB)

A particularly severe dimension of the epidemic is the rise of drug-resistant strains, which are more complex and costly to treat.

DR-TB Cases (2024)

15,000 cases were identified as drug-resistant.

Treatment Protocol

DR-TB requires prolonged treatment with multiple antibiotics, as single-drug regimens are ineffective and can worsen resistance

On average, CDF performs approximately 3,800 to 4,200 tests every month, ensuring consistent, high-volume support to community members who otherwise have limited or no access to affordable diagnostics.

Leadership in Health Systems Strengthening

Ahmad Malik, CEO of Charity Doings Foundation, brings profound, field-tested experience in TB program management, particularly from his work in the northern belt of Pakistan. His expertise has been pivotal in shaping effective public health strategies through his roles as Program Coordinator for initiatives supported by Mercy Corps, the Global Fund, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

His key contributions include:

  • Championing Technology: Advocating for and contributing to the implementation of digital health tools like DHIS-2. This has been instrumental in improving TB case identification, data management, and strengthening Pakistan’s national TB surveillance system.

  • Raising Awareness: Actively working to educate affected demographics, breaking down stigma and encouraging early testing and treatment adherence.

EXPLORE WOMEN’S HEALTH

CDF's Community-Level Detection and Care Pathway

  • The process is designed to be efficient and patient-centric:

    • Case Identification: The Hub lab receives suspected TB cases from the surrounding communities.

    • Thorough Diagnosis: It conducts initial screening and sample collection to ensure accurate detection.

    • Referral for Treatment: Confirmed or complex cases are seamlessly transferred to the reference laboratory in Lasbela, where comprehensive treatment and medication are initiated.

EXPLORE CHILDREN HEALTH

CDF Selected by Mercy Corps to Spearhead National TB Rapid Diagnostics Guidelines

Charity Doings Foundation (CDF) is proud to announce that it has been selected by Mercy Corps to lead a critical national health initiative under the ICE (Increased Cost-Effectiveness) Project. CDF will develop the official National Guidelines for Tuberculosis (TB) Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), a landmark project aimed at standardizing and scaling up modern diagnostic practices across Pakistan.

1. Development of National Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

CDF will authored the definitive guidelines for the proper execution of TB rapid diagnostic tests. This document will serve as the national standard, ensuring that RDTs are used correctly, safely, and effectively across both public and private sector health facilities. It will cover technical protocols, quality assurance measures, and best practices to guarantee reliable results.

2. Designing a Robust Specimen Transportation Protocol 

A diagnosis is only as good as the sample it’s tested on. CDF will design a complete, field-ready logistics protocol for specimen management. This will detail every step of the process, including:
⦁ Safe and sterile sample collection in field settings.
⦁ Proper packaging and labeling to ensure specimen integrity.
⦁ A temperature-controlled transportation chain from remote testing sites to designated laboratories.
This protocol will be crucial for maintaining the quality of samples collected in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that distance does not compromise diagnostic accuracy.

3. Creating Accessible, High-Impact Video Training Content 

To ensure the guidelines are not just written but are also easily understood and implemented, CDF will produce a series of highly engaging educational videos. This digital user manual will visually guide healthcare workers through the entire process:
⦁ Device Operation: Clear, step-by-step demonstrations on how to use the RDT devices.
⦁ End-to-End Workflow: A visual journey from setting up a testing station in the field to sample processing in the lab.
⦁ Communicating Results: Sensitive and effective guidance on how to deliver diagnostic results to patients and link them to the care pathway.

Gallery

Why This Matters?

A Leap Forward for TB Control in Pakistan

This project, championed by CDF's leadership and their extensive experience with partners like the Global Fund and the Gates Foundation, represents a pivotal shift from traditional diagnostics to more agile, technology-driven solutions. By standardizing RDTs and creating accessible training materials, CDF and Mercy Corps are empowering frontline health workers, strengthening the national TB program, and ultimately, building a more responsive and effective healthcare system for all.

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