Pakistan backs global push for fair access to TB vaccines, Kamal says

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mustafa Kamal has said Pakistan is committed to strengthening international cooperation for the research, development and fair distribution of tuberculosis vaccines, describing the fight against the disease as one that requires urgent action, innovation and global solidarity.

According to the Ministry of Health, the minister made the remarks while addressing the 4th High-Level Meeting of the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council in Geneva on Wednesday. He praised coordinated international efforts against tuberculosis and said the disease remains a major public health challenge across the world, particularly in high-burden countries such as Pakistan.

Speaking at the meeting, Kamal said eliminating tuberculosis would not be possible without a vaccine that is effective, accessible and affordable. He said the development of a new TB vaccine should be treated as a global public asset so that countries carrying the heaviest disease burden are not held back by high prices or limited manufacturing capacity.

The minister said a fair distribution mechanism and stronger regional production capacity were essential to ensure timely access to vaccines in the countries that need them most.

He told the meeting that Pakistan supports a collaborative international approach to tackling the disease and sees equitable access to vaccines as a key part of that effort. "With joint efforts, we can save millions of lives," he added.

He also stressed the need for practical preparations at the national level so that any future TB vaccine can be delivered effectively through existing public health structures.

Integration into health systems

Highlighting Pakistan’s priorities, the minister said the rollout of TB vaccines should be incorporated into national health and immunisation systems. He said this integration should extend to primary healthcare facilities, surveillance systems, laboratory networks and digital health infrastructure.

Kamal also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the creation of a working group focused on preparedness, awareness and community partnership to reinforce anti-tuberculosis efforts at both national and global levels.

According to the Ministry of Health, the minister underlined that the response to tuberculosis must go beyond vaccine development alone and include systems that can support implementation, monitoring and public engagement.

He said countries most affected by tuberculosis should not face delays in access once a vaccine becomes available, and called for arrangements that would help avoid inequities linked to cost and supply constraints.

Pakistan’s position, as presented by Kamal at the Geneva meeting, centred on expanding cooperation among countries and institutions involved in TB vaccine work while ensuring that preparedness measures are built into domestic health systems.

The minister’s remarks also reflected Pakistan’s support for stronger regional manufacturing capacity, which he said would be necessary alongside an equitable global distribution framework.

Tuberculosis remains one of the major public health concerns for high-burden countries, and Pakistan used the forum to press for a response built on partnership, affordability and readiness for implementation, according to the ministry statement.