Pakistan ranks 5th in global TB cases and 4th for drug-resistant TB, particularly affecting women and children, according to Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho. On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, during the inauguration of a special TB clinic in Baldia Town, Karachi, built up by the international medical organization MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières), she warned about the TB caseload in Pakistan.
Dr. Pechuho, speaking at the ceremony, pointed out that Baldia town has appeared as a hotspot for TB (tuberculosis) within the Keamari district, as a great increase in child mortality is linked to this disease. She also said that TB is a curable disease if diagnosed early and treated properly, and patients have to strictly follow the prescribed antibiotic regimen.
“However, misuse and premature discontinuation of antibiotics have led to the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains, forcing reliance on the “last line” treatments. If resistance to these critical drugs develops, it would pose a grave threat.” Dr. Pechuho added.
She also highlighted that TB can affect not only the lungs but also the brain, liver, bones and other vital organs, especially in children. She persuaded the public to avoid panic, consult qualified doctors and complete their full course of treatments to control the spread of the disease. She stated that the drug-resistance cases are becoming common now and involve urgent collective effort to control.
While praising the new TB clinic, she commented that the initiative taken by MSF in Baldia Town is commendable; their mobile phone services also work in the other parts of Karachi, significantly increasing health care outreach. MSF Project Coordinator Albina commented that this newly inaugurated clinic represents more than just a health care facility. It marks a collective commitment to improve health services. The establishment of the clinic was possible through collaboration with the Sindh health department and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
