Honourable Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed represented Pakistan at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Manila, Philippines, where he outlined Pakistan’s progress on innovation, political commitment and regional collaboration to tackle tuberculosis. Speaking in sessions on the TB situation and Sustainable TB Financing Models as well as Ending TB in Asia and the Pacific: Innovations, Partnerships, and Ambition, the minister highlighted steps Pakistan is taking to align domestic efforts with regional strategies to end TB by 2030.
The delegation emphasised the need for sustainable financing, stronger public health systems and scalable innovations. In his remarks Dr Malik underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the Stop TB agenda, stressing that coordinated political will and targeted investment are essential to accelerate elimination efforts across the region.
The minister also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, for driving global collaboration and advocacy. On the sidelines of the meeting Dr Malik held productive discussions with delegations from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada to reaffirm partnerships aimed at strengthening TB programmes and broader health systems in Pakistan.
The Pakistani delegation included Mr Laeeq Ahmed, Additional Secretary Health, Dr Abdul Wali Khan, Deputy National Coordinator TB, supported by Ms Kinz ul Eman, CEO of Dopasi Foundation, and Dr Karam Shah, Advisor. Ministers and representatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tajikistan and the Africa CDC joined the global dialogue, reinforcing regional cooperation and shared commitments to mobilise resources and innovation under the Stop TB framework.
