Aseefa Bhutto pledges leading role in fight against TB

ISLAMABAD: Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan, has reaffirmed her commitment to combating Tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan and on the global stage.

In a high-level meeting with the leadership of Dopasi Foundation and a delegation of esteemed parliamentarians, led by Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, the discussion centred on addressing Pakistan’s TB burden and identifying solutions for closing persistent gaps in TB care, especially for underprivileged communities. The delegation from the Dopasi Foundation, led by CEO Ms Kinz-ul-Eman, included key figures such as Dr Usman Rasool Lodhi, Program Manager; Dr Tilal Asif, Director of Programs; Ms Mishaal Javed, Manager of Communications; along with Dr Syed Karam Shah, Senior Technical Advisor and head of the Stop TB Partnership Pakistan. Parliamentarians in attendance included Dr Mehreen Bhutto, Ms Sehar Kamran, Khursheed Junejo, and Ms Musarat Rafique—prominent voices in the fight against TB. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on Pakistan’s progress since the United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB in 2023 while exploring new strategies to tackle ongoing challenges in TB notification and treatment. In a commitment, Ms Aseefa Bhutto Zardari announced her role as a champion for TB advocacy, pledging to lead national and international efforts. “I am proud to lend my voice to the fight against TB. The fight against Tuberculosis is not just a health issue, but a matter of dignity and justice for the millions affected by this preventable disease. Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind, and every individual has access to the care and support they deserve,” said Ms. Bhutto Zardari. During the meeting, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accepted the role of chair for the TB Survivors Event. She pledged to advocate for the rights of TB survivors and equitable access to quality healthcare in all provinces. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also praised the work of the End TB Parliamentary Caucus, which promotes cross-provincial collaboration to boost TB advocacy. The First Lady urged broader participation from parliamentarians to create a unified response to TB. Dopasi Foundation, a leading non-profit in Pakistan, partners with the Ministry of Health and global stakeholders to make significant progress in controlling TB and addressing related health targets, especially among marginalised populations.