Media’s role imperative for combatting Tuberculosis, says Secy Health
By Bushra Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Federal Secretary Health, Syed Anwar Mehmood said on Tuesday that role of media is vitally important to achieve target of complete elimination of tuberculosis disease from the country.
"The health journalists should play their key role for creating awareness against various diseases, especially tuberculosis, which is now curable," he told participants of the Media Workshop on T.B. Control in Pakistan held here.
Anwar Mahmood said many people fail to take action against diseases like tuberculosis because they don't have all the information to combat the disease.
He said role of the media in public health education is critical and an informed and aware community is undoubtedly a healthy community. He said, a responsible and responsive media is imperative for a vibrant and successful public health initiative.
The government, he said, has been focusing on the health sector for the last three years because of a strong political will and availability of resources.
He asked media persons to keep up the pressure through media coverage to ensure that people are made aware of the services available against this deadly disease.
"We can't just tell people about the problems. We have to tell them about effective, affordable solutions and about how little money it takes to save a life", he added.
The Secretary Health said the presence of a large number of media persons is a clear reflection of the spirit of partnership that will carry forward the cause of saving lives afflicted by this disease.
Talking about steps taken by the government against tuberculosis, he said the T.B. DOTS initiative stands out as an example of great success achieved in the public health initiatives of the government. Having spread all across the country, the service provides treatment for each and everyone infected with the disease.
"We need to educate the public that tuberculosis is curable and treatment is available at their nearest government health facility and that stigma must no longer be associated with this disease," he added.
He urged the public health managers, planners and media professionals to join hands for ensuring a T.B. free society.
The Secretary Health also commended the efforts of the organizers in making an effort to update the health journalists on the challenge posed by Tuberculosis in Pakistan and the efforts that are being made by the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of the disease and provide treatment to those infected by it.