New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) Approximately 1.48 lakh new tuberculosis (TB) cases have been detected within the first 30 days of the 100-day TB elimination initiative, announced Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday.
The 100-day TB elimination initiative was inaugurated in December 2024 to accelerate efforts aimed at eradicating the disease. This campaign is concentrated on 347 high-burden districts across 33 states, with the goal of enhancing case identification, minimizing diagnostic delays, and improving treatment outcomes.
“Over 2 crore individuals have been screened; 1.48 lakh new TB cases have been recorded in the initial 30 days of the initiative,” Nadda stated while presiding over the Joint Strategy Meeting with 21 Line Ministries for the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Nadda emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the elimination of TB from India by 2025, well ahead of the 2030 deadline set by the Sustainable Development Goals.
He underscored the achievements made by India in the quest for TB elimination, as highlighted in a recent WHO report.
“India has seen a 17.7 percent reduction in TB cases, nearly double the global reduction rate. Treatment coverage has climbed from 53 percent to 85 percent, and there has been a 21.4 percent drop in the TB death rate, decreasing from 28 lakhs to 22 lakhs,” the Health Minister remarked, referencing the WHO report.
Nadda affirmed that the campaign serves as a model for a collective approach to TB elimination, harnessing the strengths of various stakeholders.
The Union Health Minister called for collaborative efforts through a whole-of-government strategy to meet the target of eradicating TB by 2025.
“Ongoing partnerships, proactive involvement, and a nationwide commitment are crucial to achieving the ambitious objective of a TB-Free India,” he added.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel highlighted the significance of field activities to engage and mobilize the public through innovative strategies.
Different Ministries, including Women and Child Development, outlined their contributions to the campaign and pledged their support in the battle against TB.
“Since the campaign's launch, over 14 lakh Anganwadi workers have been working to ensure nutrition in rural areas through Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwara initiatives, which aim to provide nourishment to affected individuals,” said WCD Minister Annapurna Devi.
“Their proactive role in combating the stigma associated with TB prevalent in rural areas will encourage individuals to participate in TB screenings.”
