India Launches 100-Day Campaign to Eliminate TB
India is taking significant steps toward eliminating tuberculosis (TB) with the launch of a 100-day intensified campaign. This initiative falls under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which aims to achieve a TB-free India by 2025. The campaign emphasizes the importance of partnerships, active participation, and a nationwide commitment to combat this public health challenge. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda, led a Joint Strategy Meeting with 21 line ministries to discuss the campaign’s objectives and strategies.
The Vision for a TB-Free India
During the meeting, Shri Nadda highlighted the urgency of the campaign, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the elimination of TB by 2025, ahead of the global target set for 2030. This ambitious goal reflects India’s commitment to improving public health and reducing the burden of TB, which remains a significant health issue in the country. The Minister noted that the campaign is not just a government initiative but a collective effort that requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including civil society, healthcare professionals, and local communities.
Shri Nadda pointed out that the Prime Minister’s vision and the efforts of the Union Health Ministry have positioned India as a leader in the fight against TB. Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that India has achieved a 17.7% reduction in TB cases, nearly double the global average. Furthermore, treatment coverage has increased from 53% to 85%, and the death rate due to TB has declined significantly. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of the government’s strategies and the need for continued collaboration among all sectors.
Collaborative Efforts Across Ministries
The meeting brought together various ministers and senior officials from different ministries, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach to tackling TB. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment, shared the initiatives undertaken by his ministry, including the screening of TB cases in 156 ESIC hospitals. He also highlighted the role of MyBharat volunteers in raising awareness and encouraging people to get screened.
Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, presented his ministry’s roadmap for the campaign, aiming for a TB-free India by the end of the year. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the Union Health Ministry and the Steel Ministry in achieving this goal. Similarly, Shri Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs, addressed the challenges faced by the tribal population, particularly malnutrition, which contributes to the TB burden. He noted that government initiatives like the “Millet Mission” are crucial for improving nutrition among TB patients.
Achievements and Future Goals
The campaign has already seen significant progress. In the first 30 days, over 2 crore people have been screened, leading to the identification of more than 1.48 lakh new TB cases. This early success demonstrates the potential impact of the campaign and the importance of sustained efforts. Shri Nadda emphasized that achieving a TB-free India requires ongoing partnerships and active participation from all sectors of society.
Ministers from various departments commended the campaign’s holistic approach. Smt. Anupriya Patel highlighted the need for innovative field activities to engage communities, while Smt. Annpurna Devi discussed the role of Anganwadi workers in ensuring nutrition and combating stigma associated with TB. The collective commitment from all ministries is vital for strengthening the fight against TB and ensuring that affected individuals receive the necessary support and treatment.
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