Indus Hospital & CDC Mark World TB Day with Awareness Event

In observance of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24, Indus Hospital & Health Network, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), organized an awareness event to educate healthcare professionals and the public on TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The event emphasized the need for early detection, holistic patient care, and community support in combating this infectious disease.

The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Waqar Farooqui, District TB Coordinator. Dr. Yogita Batra, District TB Officer (DTO) of Korangi, highlighted the number of TB cases detected and treated at Indus Hospital and other facilities in Karachi. She acknowledged the efforts made in screening high-risk families and prescribing TB preventive therapy to close contacts over the past year.

Dr. Saleem Hassan Kazmi, Senior Provincial Program Officer, presented nationwide TB data, detailing the number of patients screened and treated for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB across various provinces. He raised concerns over increasing resistance to TB drugs in Pakistan and stressed the urgency of early diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use.

The discussion extended beyond medical treatment, shedding light on TB’s psychological impact. Dr. Minhaj Qidwai, CEO of UNET Consultants and founder of the Sindh Healthcare Commission, emphasized the need for emotional and psychological support alongside medical care. He urged families, doctors, and psychologists to play an active role in preventing depression and anxiety among TB patients.

Adding an interactive element, the Community Engagement Centre (CEC) presented a thought-provoking role-play illustrating the stigma attached to TB and the significance of family support. The performance reinforced that while clinical isolation may be necessary, emotional isolation should be avoided.

Dr. Maria Omar, Program Lead of the TB Program at Indus Hospital, showcased the hospital’s extensive TB patient records since 2008. Her presentation highlighted increasing diagnoses, high treatment success rates, and low mortality. She commended the relentless efforts of the TB team, Indus Hospital staff, and CDC in the fight against TB.

A key highlight of the event was the testimony of two MDR-TB (Multidrug-Resistant TB) survivors, including a young child, who shared their journeys through the endTB trial conducted at Indus Hospital. This global initiative tested shorter MDR-TB regimens, yielding promising results now endorsed by the World Health Organization, leading to more effective and less burdensome treatments.

Dr. Nazia Khursheed delivered an insightful session on the importance of high-quality sample collection for TB genetic tests and cultures. She emphasized the need for proper training of lab professionals to ensure timely and accurate TB diagnoses while minimizing biohazard risks in laboratory settings.

Closing the event, Dr. Naseem Salahuddin, a pioneer in infectious diseases and Principal Investigator of the endTB trials, shared her decades-long experience in TB treatment. She emphasized the importance of continued research and collective efforts in eliminating TB from Pakistan. Her concluding remarks received resounding applause from the attendees.

The event concluded with a symbolic advocacy walk around Indus Hospital, reinforcing the message of unity in the fight against TB. Attendees, including healthcare professionals, patients, and community members, participated to spread awareness and encourage proactive TB prevention and treatment strategies.