Centre set to expand, extend Tuberculosis program nationwide

The Indian government is set to broaden its tuberculosis program nationwide after the successful conclusion of a 100-day campaign. This initiative, initially launched in 445 districts, has significantly improved TB detection and treatment. Notable achievements include the screening of 12.97 crore individuals and detection of 7.19 lakh TB patients. India's efforts have earned recognition in the WHO's Global TB Report 2024 for reducing TB incidence from 2015 to 2023.

"If this initiative had not been launched, many asymptomatic TB cases could have gone undetected." - Official Source

By Shalini Bhadrwaj, New Delhi, March 24: The central government is expected to announce the expansion of its tuberculosis program to all districts across the country, alongside an extension of the 100-day TB campaign, which concludes today, official sources said.

Key Points

1 India's TB program expands after 100-day campaign success

2 445 districts initially covered, now nationwide

3 WHO highlights India's declining TB incidence in 2024 report

Initially implemented in 445 districts, the initiative has shown significant success in TB detection and treatment, prompting authorities to consider scaling it up nationwide.

Sources told ANI that the Union Health Ministry will extend the program to sustain momentum in tackling the disease.

In recognition of outstanding efforts during the campaign, the ministry will felicitate states, Union Territories, and panchayats in various categories at a special event marking World TB Day.

"We will be honouring states, UTs, and villages that demonstrated exemplary support and performance during the 100-day TB awareness drive," sources stated.

The campaign, supported by thousands of elected representatives and 22 ministries, has yielded substantial results.

A total of 13.46 lakh Ni-kshay camps were conducted, screening 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals. Among them, 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases were notified, and 7.19 lakh TB patients were detected.

"If this initiative had not been launched, many asymptomatic TB cases could have gone undetected," an official remarked.

India's progress in combating TB has been recognized in the WHO's Global TB Report 2024, which highlights a decline in the country's TB incidence rate--from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh in 2023.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/centre-set-expand-extend-tuberculosis-program-nationwide-853