Tuberculosis control in Pakistan: reviewing a decade of success and challenges

Abstract

Pakistan has shown drastic expansion of tuberculosis (TB) care during the past 10 years, increasing case notifications from 11 050 in 2000 to 248 115 in 2008. Over 1 million TB patients have been cared for since 2000, with a treatment success rate of 91% in 2007. This paper examines the strategic decisions and infrastructure improvements underlying this achievement, such as the implementation of universal DOTS coverage, expansion of the laboratory network, effective drug management systems, improved communication strategies, and inclusion of private practitioners, laboratories and hospitals in the TB control programme through the public-private mix strategy. The paper also outlines challenges faced in further expanding TB control within the private sector and parastatal health care institutions; strengthening the laboratory network for diagnosis of drug-resistant TB; and ensuring uninterrupted supply of quality anti-TB drugs, all requiring continued and coordinated technical and donor support.