TB Advocacy Seminar
At Bumborait, Kalash Valley.
CHITRAL: A one day Advocacy Seminar on TB was held at historical Bumborait valley organized by TB Control Program District Chitral in collaboration with Provincial TB Control Programme (PTP) NWFP & AGEG/GTZ STCP NWFP/FATA. The elected representatives of the union councils, NGOs, Journalists & other opinion leaders of the area, attended the event. Sartaj Ahmed Khan Tehsil Nazim Chitral was Chief Guest on the occasion. Executive District Officer (Health) Dr. Sher Qayum chaired the event. Ms Azra Hameed AGEG/GTZ STCP NWFP/FATA Project Administrator, Dr Nek Dad & Miss Shandana facilitated the seminar.
The activity started with recitation from the Holly Quran, followed by introduction.
TB control program Chitral registered & successfully treated more than 4000 TB patients till date, stated by Dr. Noorul Islam District TB control Officer Chitral. He further said that 14 Diagnostic & 24 treatment centers are established all over the Chitral district to provide free diagnostic and treatment services to TB patients. It is worth mentioning here that Chitral has achieved WHO targets ahead time. He appreciated the continuous support of provincial TB control program NWFP and hoped that now the Distt government will also come forward with resource allocation for improving awareness among the community at union council level.
Dr. Nek Dad Technical Advisor briefly mentioned basic facts about TB & was followed by Miss Shandana Khisro ACSM Coordinator PTP NWFP who highlighted social & cultural aspects of TB. She specially stressed on reduction of stigma and requested the audience for playing active role in creating awareness at community level.
Dr. Sher Qayum EDO (H) appreciated support provided by PTP for arranging the advocacy seminar at the far-flung area in Chitral like Bumborate village of Kalash valley. He requested district government for prioritizing TB and putting up ACSM on their agenda. He also requested NGOs for an integrated approach to incorporate TB awareness programs in their activities.
In his concluding remarks, Sartaj Khan thanked PTP & GTZ STCP NWFP for arranging the seminar and assured his full support to TB control program Chitral. He announced that a joint meeting of all partners working in Chitral will be convened and TB control activities, specifically ACSM will be on the top of the agenda. All partners will be requested to integrate ACSM in their activities. He also promised budgetary allocation for TB control activities in next financial year. In the end he offered special thanks to Dr. Abdul Ghafoor manager PTP NWFP for his support & special attention to TB control activities in Chital. He hoped that PTP NWFP will continue support in future as well.
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