Pakistan TB control program improves drug access

The National Tuberculosis Control Program in Pakistan has reported that nationwide coverage was achieved in 2005 of the DOTS (Directly-Observed Treatment, Short Course), the World Health Organization-endorsed therapeutic strategy, designed to ensure patients take their medicines properly, and which has proven effective in preventing drug resistance. Speaking at a review of Pakistan's Ministry of Health and its component programs, Hassan Sadiq, the NTCP manager, noted that TB detection had improved to 70% and treatment success to 87%.

The positive news was partly the result of cooperation with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the WHO, according to a report in the Pakistan-based International Times newspaper. The Global Fund has pledged $56.0 million in aid to Pakistan over five years, Mr Sadiq said. According to Ministry of Health figures, 280,000 people contract TB in Pakistan each year, with about 62,000 fatalities.