IT is positive news that Pakistan has been honoured with a prestigious US award for taking necessary measures to eradicate tuberculosis from the country. Achieving the TB Champion Awards 2016, given by the US for our efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, is commendable. Pakistan and the US are cooperating in the health sector which includes enhancing Pakistan`s capability to prevent, detect and respond toinfectious diseases.

In fact, Pakistan ranks 5th among the 22nd highest tuberculosis-burdened countries in the world. Tuberculosis was first declared a health emergency in Pakistan in 2001 which is the leading infectious cause of death worldwide and one-third of the world population is infected with TB.

TB is a preventable and treatable disease which can be eradicated by the BCG vaccination and by awareness raising campaigns. Thus, there is a need to vaccinate the newborn infants against TB with BCG vaccines immediately after their birth.

The eradication of TB is not just the responsibility of the government, but all parents, citizens, government and medical staff should work together to control TB around the country and make Pakistan a TB-free country in the world.

ShakeelKhan Turbat