ISLAMABAD, MAR 24: /DNA/ – President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood has said that tuberculosis remains a serious public health challenge and continues to claim thousands of lives every year. Citing global health estimates, he noted that around 1.3 million people die from TB annually worldwide, which translates to over 3,500 deaths every day, while millions more fall ill with the disease. In Pakistan as well, TB remains among the leading infectious diseases, affecting hundreds of thousands of people each year.
In a statement issued here on World Tuberculosis Day, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the government, healthcare institutions, private sector and civil society to intensify awareness campaigns, promote early screening and ensure the availability of affordable treatment for all segments of society.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood noted that despite being a preventable and curable disease, tuberculosis continues to spread due to lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis and limited access to timely medical care, particularly in developing countries.
The ICCI President also highlighted that the business community has a vital role to play in supporting national health initiatives by promoting workplace health programs, contributing to awareness drives and assisting public health authorities in their efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood urged policymakers to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand diagnostic facilities and allocate adequate resources for TB prevention and treatment programmes so that Pakistan can move closer to achieving global targets for ending tuberculosis.
He reaffirmed that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health, emphasizing that a healthy workforce is fundamental for economic stability and sustainable national development.
