Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, Honourable Minister of State for Health, represented Pakistan at the 39th Stop TB Partnership board meeting in Manila where he outlined the country’s growing role in regional efforts to eliminate tuberculosis. As a speaker in two major sessions, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s progress in innovation, political commitment and collaborative work across the Asia Pacific.
In discussions addressing the current TB situation and sustainable financing models, and in sessions focused on ending TB through innovation and partnerships, the minister underscored steps Pakistan has taken to strengthen detection, treatment and financing mechanisms. He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, for sustaining global momentum against the disease.
On the sidelines of the meeting, productive talks with delegations from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada reaffirmed commitments to support stronger TB and broader health systems in Pakistan. Ministers and representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tajikistan and Africa CDC joined the dialogue, reinforcing regional collaboration aimed at accelerating progress toward ending TB by 2030.
The Pakistani delegation included Additional Secretary Health Laeeq Ahmed, Deputy National Coordinator TB Dr Abdul Wali Khan, CEO of Dopasi Foundation Ms Kinz ul Eman and Advisor Dr Karam Shah, who supported the minister in advancing Pakistan’s Stop TB priorities and in exploring sustainable financing and partnership opportunities to scale up national programmes.
