Karachi: A workshop focused on building the capacity of administrative and medical staff in women and juvenile prisons across Sindh to combat tuberculosis (TB) was held by the Bridge Consultants Foundation (BCF) organized. 

The event was held at a local hotel in Karachi, as part of the Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS) R-12 Project supported by Stop TB partnership and UNOPs. The workshop aimed to equip staff from women’s and juvenile prisons of sindh with the skills and knowledge needed to prevent, diagnose, and treat TB among inmates, with a special focus on women and children. It also sought to establish a robust network between these prisons and the provincial TB control program’s Basic Management Units (BMUs), ensuring improved access to TB services for this vulnerable population. Participants included one administrative staff member from each of the six prisons and two medical staff responsible for inmate healthcare from each facility. Key sessions were conducted by BCF’s Executive Director, Dr. Sharaf Ali Shah, and TB specialist Dr. Shahina Qayyum.

They covered topics such as the basics of TB, TB in prison settings, infection prevention and control, and strengthening referral systems.  Additional insights were shared by speakers including ASP Bilawal Kumbhar, Mr. Nazir Baphar from CDC Sindh, Waheed Khattak from BCF, Dr. Tajamul from the PPM Project, and senior journalist, anchorperson Akhtar Shaheen Rind. “This initiative addresses a critical gap in TB prevention and treatment services for incarcerated women and juveniles in Sindh,” said Dr. Sharaf Ali Shah. “By empowering prison staff and creating strong healthcare networks, we can significantly improve health outcomes for this marginalized group and reduce TB transmission within prison settings,” he added.