Karachi: A significant seminar focused on Tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment was held in Karachi, spotlighting the latest strategies to combat this global health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases at Dow University of Health Sciences and several key health agencies, led the discussion on the newest WHO guidelines aimed at reducing the TB incidence worldwide.

According to World Health Organization, the seminar on October 3, 2024, brought together over 120 participants both online and in-person. These included chest specialists, public health managers, academics, and representatives from international health organizations. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of local and global health entities to implement the WHO’s TB preventive treatment protocols effectively.

The session was co-chaired by DUHS Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammad Saeed Quraishy and CDC Sindh Deputy Director-General Dr. Zulfiqar Dharejo. It featured key presentations from WHO officials, including Dr. Khawaja Laeeq Ahmad, Dr. Sara Salman, and Dr. Faisal Siraj, who focused on operational challenges in TB management and preventive strategies. Online contributors Dr. Avinash Kanchar and Dr. Santosha Kelamane further enriched the discussions by addressing core aspects of the treatment before fielding questions from the attendees.

This seminar is part of a broader global effort aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to end the TB epidemic by 2030. The WHO remains committed to leading the global charge to eradicate TB through enhanced strategy development, political engagement, and strengthening partnerships across sectors, including civil society.