In the heart of Punjab, Pakistan, on a frigid winter day, brothers Adnan and Rizwan Saeed make their way to the village of Chak 168 GB Sirāj, about an hour's drive from Faisalabad. As temperatures plummet toward freezing, a crowd begins to gather around a designated tent, eager for tuberculosis (TB) screening and tests.

Adnan, who has already experienced the loss of his brother Imran to this devastating disease, is acutely aware of the symptoms. “I’m suffering from shortness of breath after doing little work,” he admits as he signs up for a check-up. His story is all too common in regions where healthcare is often out of reach.

Fauzia Ghafoor, a dedicated health worker with 17 years of experience in the district health unit, has witnessed an evolution in attitudes toward TB. “In the past, people feared even speaking to a TB patient. Now, that's changed,” she reflects, highlighting a growing recognition of the disease and the importance of seeking treatment.

Despite significant progress—Pakistan treated approximately 425,000 TB cases in 2022 alone, a remarkable increase over the previous year—the country still ranks fifth in global TB burden. Millions remain in remote areas where healthcare facilities are inaccessible, and the stigma surrounding TB can deter individuals from seeking help.

To combat these challenges, Mercy Corps launched "chest camps" in 2014—mobile health units bringing essential TB services directly to affected communities. These camps create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who would otherwise lack access to vital healthcare.

“Our clients often include women with children and the elderly, who face more practical obstacles to healthcare,” explains Adeel, a Mercy Corps worker. The camps are not just about medical care; they symbolize hope and community solidarity.

The groundwork for these chest camps starts weeks in advance. Community health workers like Fauzia engage with villagers, encouraging them to seek evaluation for any persistent cough or respiratory issues. Word spreads quickly, prompting people like Adnan and Rizwan to take action following tragic events like Imran's death.

Collaborating with local clinics and community leaders, Mercy Corps utilizes trusted figures—teachers and imams—to announce the camps and remind people that the care provided is free. “The doctor is coming to you,” is a powerful message that encourages attendance.

This integrated approach, uniting public health systems with entities like Mercy Corps, is beginning to transform TB awareness and management across Pakistan. The flexibility offered by this collaboration has proven invaluable, especially when the catastrophic floods of 2022 blocked traditional access routes to health facilities.

In response, the chest camps adapted to become health camps, with Mercy Corps deploying 40 specialized vans equipped with X-ray machines and diagnostic equipment to navigate rural terrain—ensuring no one was left behind during a crisis.

Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role. Digital X-rays and GeneXpert machines now allow on-the-spot diagnosis of TB, significantly improving patient outcomes. Moreover, artificial intelligence is now utilized to pinpoint areas with higher incidences of TB, ensuring that resources are strategically focused where they’re needed most.

Currently, Mercy Corps operates 600 camps monthly across 100 districts, thanks to support from the Global Fund. They have even procured portable X-ray machines small enough to fit on the back of motorbikes, enabling access to even the most hard-to-reach communities.

While the battle against TB is gaining momentum, there remains much work to be done. Adeel expresses a hopeful desire for a future without TB altogether, where chest camps are no longer needed. “We are doing everything possible to end TB,” he asserts.

The journey toward eradicating this disease is ongoing, but with innovative solutions and unwavering community support, Pakistan is taking remarkable strides in the fight against tuberculosis. A healthier future is on the horizon, but the world must stay vigilant and support these groundbreaking efforts!